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SALT LAKE CITY — Gerald R. Sherratt, former Cedar City mayor and Southern Utah University president, died Friday. He was 84.
“He was the greatest promoter the university ever had,” said Scott Wyatt, current SUU president. “His mark is everywhere on campus, the city and the state.”
Sherratt was a Cedar City native whose family traced back to pioneer homesteaders who helped settle Cedar City. He graduated from the Branch Agricultural College (now Southern Utah University) in 1951, according to a press release from SUU.
Sherratt served for 16 years as the 13th president at the college from 1982 to 1997. His passion and dedication is credited for the institution's largest period of growth, as enrollment increased from 1,800 to 5,500 students during his tenure.
During his time as president, Sherratt advocated for 16 new buildings on campus and raised the status of the athletic program.
He also successfully lobbied for university status and in 1991 the then Southern Utah State College turned into Southern Utah University. The Gerald R. Sherratt Library on the SUU campus was named after him.
“The SUU family mourns the loss of a great leader, mentor, friend and visionary,” said Stuart Jones, vice president of advancement at SUU. “Jerry left an indelible legacy upon our campus, community and state. He will be dearly missed.”
Three years after serving as president, Sherratt was elected mayor of Cedar City at age 70 in 2001.
During his two terms as mayor, Sherratt launched many new projects and festivals for the community. He also trademarked the name "Festival City USA" for Cedar City.
Cedar City community members and SUU students and alumni posted condolences and their memories about Sherratt on social media:
"A true giant in our community passed away this afternoon. As the former president of Southern Utah University and our former mayor his handprint is on much of what makes Cedar City the wonderful community it is," wrote Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson on her Facebook page.
"He always had burnt bacon, scrambled eggs, tomato slices, a burnt English muffin with strawberry jam and an ice tea," wrote Whitnee Garfield on Facebook. "Such a fun man! We sure will miss him at the (Main St. Grill)."
"I don't think any of us will ever truly grasp Gerald R. Sherratt's generosity towards and pure love of SUU," wrote Emily Burt, an SUU alumni, on Twitter.
"Sad to hear of the passing of the very first university president I had the pleasure of working for," posted Tiffany Evans on Facebook. "Your influence has impacted generations and generations. I will never forget the influence and wisdom you provided me. God Bless you President Gerald Sherratt."
Funeral services will be held in Cedar City. More details will follow as released from the family.
