BYU Marriott MPA faculty represent a dynamic blend of experienced educators and internationally recognized practitioners.
Their passion for the program and commitment to the success of MPA students is evident inside and outside of the classroom. Our small cohort size enables faculty members to develop close working relationships with students and often collaborate with them on research projects and field studies.
The faculty profiles below offer an inside peak at their diverse talents, interests, and achievements.
Professor, Program Director
Rob Christensen
Hometown
Idaho Falls, ID
Interests
Hiker and trail runner
Favorite Food
Raisins
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I love the focus on public service in an environment where management is the focus of what we do.
Associate Director
Heather Chewning
Hometown
Simi Valley, CA
Interests
Giver, music lover, professional shopper
Favorite Thing
Sunshine
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I love the people (faculty, staff, and students) and the service we provide and the hard work we all do. We make the world a better place.
Business Operations Manager
Anne Apuakehau
Hometown
My hometown is the Bangalore city in India. But have lived in the US longer than I did in India so I consider my hometown as Hawaii.
Interests
I love spending time with my children doing whatever they want to do. But if I have free time I love being in the temple or readying mystery novel.
Favorite Food
My favorite food is "Dosa", or any Indian food, but love all other Asian food as well.
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I'm in the BYU MPA program because that is where the Lord wants me to be, but I also discovered since taking some classes that organizational ethical behavior fascinates me. Our professors are so passionate about what they are involved in and the material they teach, their passion for that subject matter helps us feel the desire to do more in our society to serve better.
MPA Career Services Director
Staci Carroll
Hometown
Orem, Utah
Interests
Running, snow skiing, gardening, baking, hiking
Passion
Learning other’s stories. Also, getting everyone involved in political processes.
Favorite Food
Fried eggs with buttered toast. Also, really good bread.
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I fully believe that we need highly educated people out in the public sector, and I am so thrilled to be part of that.
Alumni Relations Administrator
Jeanelle Carden
Hometown
El Paso, TX
Interests
Dancing, laughing, and learning new things.
Favorite Food
Pizza and Ramen
Why I’m a BYU MPA
Sadly I am not one yet, but I love working with all of them!
Recruiting and Events Specialist
Savannah Heath
Hometown
Warrensburg, Missouri
Interests
Hiking, biking, reading, and music.
Favorite Food
Chicken Tikka Masala
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I want to do good in the world and empower others that are seeking to do the same!
Professor
Brad Agle
Hometown
Bay City, MI
Interests
Choral singer, skier, basketball player, father
Favorite Food
Chicken cordon bleu
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I get to associate with colleagues and students who are trying to change the world for the better.
Professor
Liz Dixon
Hometown
Hickory, NC
Interests
Hot yoga, biking, reading, eating lots of gluten
Favorite Food
Market Street Grill Early Bird Special
Passion
Learning and inspiring people to recognize their divinity and self-worth
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I am a BYU MPA because I am dedicated to unlocking the collaborative potential between governments and private enterprises to maintain a beautiful and sustainable world—one where the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, the sick are healed, and the widows and fatherless find solace without fear. My faith motivates me to joyfully and authentically keep God’s commandments while empowering my neighbors—regardless of their beliefs—to recognize their inherent divinity and value.
Professor
Dave Hart
Hometown
Seattle, WA
Interests
Ultra runner, skier, lover of life
Favorite Food
Sushi
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I love being part of a mission-driven organization—especially this one.
Professor
Dan Heist
Hometown
Philidelphia, Pennsylvania
Interests
Home improvement, the beach, wiffle ball
Passion
Committed to making my area of the world thrive
Favorite Food
Cheesesteaks
Why I’m a BYU MPA
It's a place where people can pursue what they love and make the world a better place.
Professor
David Matkin
Hometown
Cardston, Alberta, Canada
Interests
Mentor, traveler, primary teacher
Passion
Teaching and learning
Favorite Food
Nuts & dried fruit (especially mango)
Favorite Thing
Feeling useful
Why I’m a BYU MPA
Because I’m passionate about creating and leading institutions that help us flourish.
Professor
Aaron Miller
Hometown
Bozeman, MT
Interests
Chef, technology guru, family man, adventure seeker
Passion
Doing good, the right way, means combining discipline and thoughtfulness with creativity and energy.
Why I’m a BYU MPA
Because the world needs more people doing good things.
Professor
Brad Owens
Hometown
Middleton, ID
Interests
Family man, hiker, lover of good books
Favorite Food
My wife’s pad thai
Why I’m a BYU MPA
The BYU MPA program is full of people with great minds, but more importantly, great hearts.
Professor
Travis Ruddle
Hometown
Adair, OK
Interests
Hiking and traveling
Favorite Food
Southern and Cajun cuisine
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I love being a part of a program that focuses on establishing Zion through learned experiences across all sectors and an atmosphere where the Savior is present in and out of the classroom.
Professor
Chris Silvia
Hometown
North Dighton, MA
Interests
Bag piper, cook, family historian
Favorite Food
Pizza and BBQ
Why I’m a BYU MPA
Because of the focus on both rigorous academics and spiritual development. I think we do a great job preparing students for their future careers.
Professor
Jeffery Thompson
Hometown
Boise, ID
Interests
Actor, racquetball player, family historian
Favorite Food
Ice cream
Why I’m a BYU MPA
I love the passion of people who work to render public service.
Professor
Breck Wightman
Hometown
Rexburg, ID
Interests
Family, reading, golfing, snowboarding, cycling
Passion
Teaching and learning
Favorite Thing
Ice cold Diet Coke
Favorite Food
Ribeye steak and Idaho mashed potatoes
Why I’m a BYU MPA
Because I’m passionate about creating and leading institutions that help us flourish.
Professor
Eva Witesman
Hometown
Salt Lake City, UT
Interests
Mother, painter, gardener, Crossfit guru
Favorite Food
Locally sourced, organic, fresh deliciousness of all kinds
Why I’m a BYU MPA
The reach of any one individual might be limited but together we can make a huge difference.