SUU's Ryan Paul Receives Utah Historical Society's Outstanding Achievement Award

Ryan Paul, assistant professor of history at Southern Utah University (SUU), has been honored with the Utah Historical Society's Outstanding Achievement Award for his significant contributions to public history and education.

 

The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Hill Aerospace Museum, where Paul will be recognized alongside other distinguished individuals and organizations.

 

At SUU, Paul teaches courses in American History, Public and Local History, and the History of the National Parks. He also directs the APEX Speaker Series, bringing notable scholars and public figures to campus to engage with students and the community.

 

Before joining SUU, Paul served as the museum curator at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum for 19 years, developing exhibits and educational programs that deepened public appreciation for the region's history.

 

Paul's recent projects include the digital storytelling series Main Street Minutes, which explores the unique history of Cedar City, and his involvement in America 250: Iron County, a local commemoration of the nation's semiquincentennial.

 

Reflecting on his work, Paul stated, "To me, history is a collection of stories. We search these stories and look for patterns that give meaning to our experience and help us understand who we are and how we can be our best selves."

 

For more information about SUU's history programs, visit the Department of History, Sociology, and Anthropology https://www.suu.edu/hss/hsa