About the Prairie Dogs and Roadrunners

Rocky Vista University (RVU) is a health sciences university with locations in Parker, Colorado and Ivins, Utah. We offer a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, a Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) program, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree program.

The Fighting Prairie Dog is the mascot for the Colorado campus (showing the world that it’s okay to have a sense of humor while in medical school). Prairie dogs are known for being highly social creatures that live in large groups; they cooperate to share food and protect their fellow burrows. Because of this, we feel the prairie dog is an accurate representation of our university. Our students, faculty, and staff work to help each other succeed, which in turn benefits the entire school and the surrounding community.

The Southern Utah location chose the roadrunner as their mascot, for the bird that is commonly seen running around the campus.