Southern Utah University, based in Cedar City, Utah, is a regional institution that offers baccalaureate, graduate, associate, and technical programs. The century-old university believes in the overall development of its graduates by emphasizing the core values of academic excellence, community and social involvement, and personal growth. Southern Utah University is host to the famous Utah Shakespearean Festival, which features some of the finest plays written by William Shakespeare. Southern Utah University’s origins can be traced to 1897, when the Utah Legislature authorized a branch of the state's teacher-training school to be established in Cedar City. The school was then called Branch Normal School. It was renamed Branch Agricultural College in 1913, which later changed to College of Southern Utah in 1953, then Southern Utah State College in 1969, and finally Southern Utah University, in 1991. The university campus is home to a mixture of historic and modern buildings. Some of them, such as Old Main (1898) and Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center (1899) date to the 19th century. Other major buildings include the Dixie Leavitt Business Building, Science Center, Gerald R. Sherratt Library, J.L. Sorenson Physical Education Building, and South Hall. The campus features 27 computer labs, which ensure a student-to-computer ratio of 8:1. The university library boasts an impressive array of books, photographs, manuscripts, and sound clips. A Special Collections section houses rare materials, not permitted for general circulation, that relate to the history of Utah, William Shakespeare’s compositions, and the Native Americans of southern Utah. Many of the materials are available for scholarly research under the supervision of the Special Collections staff. Southern Utah University is home to the Adams Memorial Theatre, which bears a strong resemblance to the Globe Theater of England. It is rated as one of the world’s most authentic Shakespearean stages. Numerous Shakespearean plays are performed there during the celebrated Utah Shakespearean Festival. It also is the venue of other student productions. Dedicated in 1977, the open-air auditorium has a seating capacity of 777. The other major venue for the Shakespearean plays is the Randall Jones Theater. That theater can seat 767 persons. Southern Utah University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. In addition, several academic programs enjoy special accreditation from such reputed organizations as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, National Association of Schools of Music, National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, National Athletic Training Accreditation, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, and National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD candidate).