Doug Knuth Resigns As Southern Utah Athletics Director
Jun 17, 2025, 1:51 PM
Doug Knuth, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations at the University of Utah, speaks at the Utah football national letter of intent Crimson Club celebration at the U of U in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah athletics director Doug Knuth announced his resignation from the university, citing family reasons, on Tuesday, June 17.
“I’ve been away from my wife and kids for three years,” Knuth wrote in a social media post. “It’s time to be closer to them, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities that are coming soon.”
Thank you @SUUThunderbirds for three great years and many new friendships along the way.
In @SUUtbirds president Mindy Benson’s words, “you’ve had a good run”. Yes, I think we have! Record fundraising, all-time best academic and APR marks, new and renovated facilities with (1/2)— Doug Knuth (@DougKnuth) June 17, 2025
“We are grateful for Doug’s time and commitment to SUU’s Athletic Department,” said President Mindy Benson in a statement. “We recognize Doug’s accomplishments on fundraising initiatives for facility improvements, strengthening the student-athlete experience, and building a vibrant game-day culture. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Tom Higbee was appointed interim athletic director by the school, effective July 15.
SUU under Title IX investigation
As reported recently by KSL.com, Southern Utah is being investigated for potential Title IX violations in multiple sports.
Brett McMurphy of the Action Network first reported the news on May 2, 2025.
Southern Utah’s athletic department is under investigation for potential Title IX violations in multiple sports, sources said. The entire department is under review, a source said. “It’s toxic, absolutely toxic.” The Division I Thunderbirds compete in WAC in all sports but…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) May 2, 2025
“SUU strives to foster a caring campus community supportive of the dignity of its students and employees,” a statement to KSL.com read. “The university does not comment on the specifics of ongoing reviews or individual personnel matters.”
About Brett Knuth
Benson hired Knuth in 2022, noting his qualifications and stating that he had undergone a detailed background check.
The reason for caution arose after Knuth was terminated by the University of Nevada in April 2022, following nine years of service with the school.
He joined the Thunderbirds program with nearly 30 years of experience in college athletics, including nine years as a D1 director of athletics.
Knuth previously served as the senior associate athletic director at the University of Utah.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
