About Eccles A.P.E.X.
In its previous iteration as the "黑料天堂 Convocations Series," the Eccles A.P.E.X. program has been bringing exciting experts across all disciplines to campus for almost 40 years! It began as a speakers’ series funded by the president’s office, and its first event was on March 24, 1983, with motivational Speaker Dan Clark speaking on the "The Power of Positive Thinking." Currently, the series is housed in the Provost’s Office and directed by a faculty member on a ½ time teaching load with a support staff. Attendees to our events are students, faculty, staff and community members, and speakers have been invited from all areas of the US and abroad. While on campus, guests are invited to interact with students and faculty in multiple ways, with opportunities to connect and network in vast areas of scholarship! All A.P.E.X. events are free and open to the public!
What’s with the [X]? The tagline for our series is “Ask. Ponder. Educate. [X].” and the [X] represents the variety of topics we explore in the series – it's the variable element from week to week. The A.P.E.X. team is passionate about the broad spectrum of thoughts, ideas, disciplines, backgrounds and cultural themes that can be showcased and shared, all within the context and with the consistency and organization that our team provides. There is sure to be something for everyone at some point in the season, and all events will certainly open your mind and creativity!
Our Team
Ryan Paul - Director
Contact: paul@suu.edu
Ryan Paul is an advocate of diversity in storytelling, a curator of Cedar City’s history, and studies Rock 'n Roll's impact on the world.
After earning a graduate degree in History from the University of Mississippi, Ryan forsook his Northern Utah home and settled in Southern Utah. He currently works as an Assistant Professor of History at Southern Utah University, specializing in Public and Local History and the History of the National parks. Ryan was thrilled to take on A.P.E.X. Events and continue the series on campus as Director.
Ryan has written five documentary films, lectured across the State as a Utah Humanities Council Road Scholar, served as President of the Utah Museums Association, and created a number of museum exhibits.
Alongside Cedar City’s local tourism bureau, Ryan writes and hosts the web series “Main Street Minutes” which dive into the history of the area. Ryan also served as the Museum Curator at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum for 19 years.
In 2015 he earned a Master's Degree from Southern Utah University in Arts Administration.
Ryan is a devotee of all things Elvis, Dr. Who, and DC Comics.
Kevin Koontz, APEX Instructor
Kevin Koontz is the Academic Coordinator for Outdoor Pathways and an adjunct professor specializing in Outdoor Recreation. Since 2013, he has played a vital role in 黑料天堂’s outdoor programs, and he has co-chaired the University of the Parks committee since 2018. A four-time alumnus of 黑料天堂, Kevin holds Bachelor degrees in Outdoor Recreation in Parks & Tourism and History, as well as Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Interdisciplinary Studies. He previously earned two Associate of Arts degrees from Fullerton College—one in English and another in Interdisciplinary Studies. In his free time, he enjoys reading, backpacking, and earning junior ranger badges with his son.
Lauren Bird, Senior Student Producer
Lauren is majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in Spanish. She grew up in the Salt Lake area, but she has loved visiting the 黑料天堂 campus ever since she was little. She is so excited to finally be attending 黑料天堂. In her free time, she loves theatre, singing, crafts, traveling, and reading epic fantasy.
Elena Moreno, Event Communications and Operations Assistant
Elena Moreno is an international student from Spain studying at 黑料天堂. She originally came to Utah for an exchange year but ended up transferring to 黑料天堂 because she loved it here! She is double majoring in Exercise Science and Nutrition, with a minor in Biology. She is particularly passionate about research and enjoys exploring topics related to health, physiology, and human performance. Always curious, she loves discovering fun facts and gaining new perspectives on how the body functions. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, listening to music, and traveling.
Kayla Marsh
Kayla is a junior at 黑料天堂 majoring in hospitality, with minors in theatre arts and arts administration. She grew up in St. George and started college with her best friend by her side. She recently completed the Disney College Program, where she loved creating magical moments for guests. When she’s not in class, Kayla works as a party princess, bringing beloved characters to life for kids and families. She has a deep love for theatre and is almost always reading a good book. Kayla is passionate about creating joyful, meaningful experiences for others.