CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University officials recently announced that the university’s ongoing partnership with Best Friends Animal Society continues to expand with a new scholarship agreement with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. 

Officials from all three institutions spoke during an event held Tuesday at the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah’s administration building in Cedar City. 

“This is really groundbreaking stuff,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “For a nonprofit organization, an animal sanctuary, to bridge that gap to offer a scholarship to a university like Southern Utah University, in partnership with the Paiute Tribe, is really cool.”

Added Castle: “I just feel this is going to be the tip of the iceberg in this partnership. And we’re all coming together for one thing, to make the world a better place through animals.”

According to university officials, this marks the third time that Best Friends Animal Society has offered a scholarship for a bachelor’s degree with a focus in Contemporary Animal Services. They are also providing scholarships to four recipients for professional development certificate courses. The Best Friends Animal Society and SUU scholarships will be offered once each year for five years with a cumulative value of $78,640.

Castle said she was preparing to drive from Kanab to Cedar City that morning when she heard the loud flapping of wings, looked up and saw a condor flying overhead.

“In my life, I’ve seen three condors in the wild,” she said. “And this morning was one of those mornings. I thought, how appropriate that this sacred Thunderbird is flying over my journey to Cedar City today.”

Later, Paiute Tribal Council member Delice Tom mentioned that she had seen an eagle in a tree on her way to the event and remarked that must have been a good sign.

Stephen Lisonbee, SUU’s assistant vice president of regional services, also touched on the bird theme showing off cufflinks featuring the SUU Thunderbird logo.

As he put them on that morning, Lisonbee said he thought to himself, “Where do we get to fly today?”

“Okay, I didn’t get to see a condor. I’m jealous. I didn’t see an eagle, but for the rest of the day, I’ll be looking for one,” he said. “Animals are a big part of our life.”

SUU President Mindy Benson also spoke of her love for animals.

“I think we are closer to heaven than we understand with our animals,” Benson said. “I have a cat, just one, but she is my world.”

Benson also emphasized the importance of education.

“We’re opening new doors today,” she said. “And I don’t think any of us can understand the opportunities that lie ahead, with these doors and what starts today.”

Earlier in the program, Paiute Tribal Administrator Shane Parashonts had noted, “I am a huge believer in education and the role education plays in the advancement and development of our people and our communities.”

Parashonts also spoke of the “responsibility we feel towards stewardship not only for our people and the land but also for the animals and creatures we live with.”

Benson later referenced Parashonts’ remarks when she said, “Education, as Shane was talking about, is the foundation of everything that we do. And if we can educate, enlighten and help people, which is our mission at SUU anyway, we’re proud to be part of that.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead,” Benson added, saying that those involved in the partnership will continue with innovative ideas. 

“Thank you all for being willing to go on this journey with us,” she said.

Also speaking during the event were Paiute Tribal Council members Corrina Bow and Tamara Borchardt-Slayton; Jean Boreen, dean of SUU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences; and Tawny Hammond, Best Friends Animal Society’s director of national learning advancement.

“I thought about, there was a time on this earth that we had reverence and respect for all living creatures in life,” Hammond said during her remarks. “And what Best Friends recognized is that we’ve lost our way. I’m honored to walk with them on this journey. I’m honored to walk with all of you in this room as we find a better way, and we create this amazing partnership of working together.”

Melynda Thorpe, executive director of SUU Community and Professional Development, said she has been proud to watch the partnership between her office and the animal rescue grow.

“We are pleased to be working with Best Friends to further extend animal services educational opportunities,” she said. “This partnership builds careers, builds degrees and benefits our communities.” 

According to a news release, earlier scholarship offerings offered through the SUU’s partnership with Best Friends Animal Society over the past few years have included four scholarships each year for a “Principles of Contemporary Animal Services” certificate, along with four scholarships each year for micro-credentialed animal services courses such as dog and cat lifesaving courses. Such courses are offered twice a year and award continuing education credits toward an SUU degree.

The newly announced scholarship, to be awarded once each year for five years, will be awarded to a student pursuing an SUU Online General Studies bachelor’s degree with a focus in animal services. 

At the time of the award, the scholarship recipient should either: 

• Work or plan to work or volunteer directly for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (PITU) or with one of the Southern Paiutes.  
• Work with or volunteer for an animal welfare nonprofit or other organization who is supporting the PITU or Southern Paiutes.  
• Engage or plan to participate in substantial activities that support the PITU’s or Southern Paiutes’ animal services and veterinary needs.  

Preference will be given to candidates who are enrolled members of the PITU, then secondarily to those who have demonstrated ties, familial or otherwise, to the PITU, specifically members of the Southern Paiute tribes. The scholarship application deadline is March 28, with the recipient to be announced on March 31. To apply, click here.

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