Information Systems News 

What do beekeeping, management communication, and software development have in common? They’re just three of the disciplines that helped Varroa Tech, a startup that uses gas detection to warn beekeepers of dangerous parasite levels in their hives, to win $16,500 and the 2024–2025 Student Innovator of the Year competition.

Mike Eads left his stable job in search of new challenges—and he found them. The information systems alum from the BYU Marriott School of Business took on roles within and outside the realm of his MISM, trusting the skills he developed during the program.

In its April 2025 awards ceremony, the BYU Marriott School of Business recognized selected faculty, staff, and administrators for exemplifying the college’s vision, mission, values, and guiding principle in both classroom and administrative work.

In March the BYU Marriott School of Business administration recognized a graduating student from each undergraduate program with the Bateman Award for their exemplary dedication to the BYU Marriott values, commitment to academic excellence, and profound drive to serve others.

When Thomas Smith was a junior studying information systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business, he was determined to find a summer internship where he could build upon the lessons he was learning in his classes. But after sending dozens of applications and hearing nothing back, he wondered what more he could do. He decided to focus on creating connections and networking, eventually finding opportunities in unexpected places.

While studying information systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Doug Maxfield planned to pursue a career in technology development. Then he found an untaped passion that changed everything.

Writing speeches for the CEO of Microsoft, pioneering cloud services in China, and establishing generative AI technology are all responsibilities that Jared Andersen has taken on since graduating from the BYU Marriott School of Business. Although technical skills have been essential to his success, he has also found effective communication to be vital.

When an academic advisor counseled her to consider a different major, Perla Valdovinos knew she had to revamp her academic performance to achieve her goal of studying information systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business. So Valdovinos reworked her schedule, prioritized her studies, and stayed persistent in doing all she could to get into her dream program.

In the last two years, five teams from the BYU Marriott Sandbox program have won the entrepreneurship lottery: half a million dollars and access to Silicon Valley’s network of startup elites. But the secret of the BYU Marriott’s Sandbox teams’ success wasn’t luck—it was a willingness to fail.

Each year at University Conference, Brigham Young University recognizes a number of employees for their service and influence. This year faculty and staff members at the BYU Marriott School of Business—Julie Averett, Spencer Hilton, Jenn Larson, and Scott Webb—received awards at the conference for their contributions to BYU.

After programming her first button, undergrad Laura Cutler was hooked on using her creativity to optimize user experience. Now an assistant teaching professor for the Department of Information Systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Cutler uses her same creativity to optimize students’ experiences.

Many faculty at the BYU Marriott School of Business travel with and teach students on semester-long trips to other parts of the world. But on their separate visits to the African continent, Tom Meservy and Kristin DeTienne didn’t teach courses or sightsee with students. Through the Faculty Development in International Business program, these professors researched the business practices of other countries and returned with new insights to bring to their classrooms and their research.

An assistant teaching professor of information systems (IS), Katy Reese encourages her students at the BYU Marriott School of Business to step outside of their comfort zones. Drawing from her own educational experience, she guides students in developing the confidence needed to confront and conquer complex IS concepts, mirroring the support she received from her own mentors.

“We’re moving,” was a phrase Ethan Ritchie, a student in the master of information systems program, heard often in his childhood. As he moved eight times to different states and around the world, Ritche gained an appreciation for people of different backgrounds and beliefs. It is with this openness and desire to learn that Ritchie approaches his life and his studies in the BYU Marriott School of Business.

Hailey Bronson was a champion high school soccer player. But she gave it up to be a different kind of champion. Bronson, a junior studying information systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business, now channels her time and talents into her academic goals.

Information systems professors at BYU have created a technology using JavaScript that can detect online identity fraud simply by measuring interaction behaviors like keystroke speed.

Ryan Schuetzler, associate professor of information systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business, leans on his zeal for lifelong learning to push through big decisions. From being unsure about his major as an undergrad to getting a PhD and moving across the country, Schuetzler’s desire to keep learning has led him to discover his passions and connect with students.

Eight professors joined the faculty at the BYU Marriott School of Business in 2023. “We are excited to welcome these new faculty members,” says Brigitte Madrian, dean of BYU Marriott. “In line with our mission to develop leaders of faith, intellect, and character, these new faculty bring insight and experience that will contribute to the educational experience BYU Marriott offers its students.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the BYU Marriott School of Business in 2016, John Koelliker leaned on his family, friends, and colleagues to gain the confidence to start his own business. Now, as CEO of startup Leland, Koelliker focuses on connecting people so that they can pursue their dreams.

To foster interest in technology and teach safe computer usage to youth, the Department of Information Systems and other departments at Brigham Young University coordinated various week-long cybersecurity camps for teenagers and educators this July. Through specialized training and presentations from faculty and industry experts, the camps educated 20 teachers and 180 youth from the state of Utah.