News Releases 

In an increasingly connected world, learning how to interact with different groups of people can open doors of opportunity and learning. That’s why Bryson Schellenberg, student at BYU Marriott, spent a year studying and working in Germany where he connected with people from all over the world.

Flexibility is the key to success for Lulu Gilbert, a new Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC) copresident at the BYU Marriott School of Business. Her busy schedule requires an alternative take on a balanced schedule that helps her prioritize the most important parts of her life.

In a lecture hall full of students and future leaders, MBA alum Christopher Clason explained how inspired leaders create value in their professional and personal lives. Awarded the BYU Homecoming 2023 Alumni Achievement Award representing the BYU Marriott School of Business, Clason shared attributes of leaders based on his professional career working in six industries, living in seven different cities, and managing teams in twenty-four countries.

As a young girl growing up in North Carolina, Liz Dixon marveled at the floor-to-ceiling books that lined the office of her father—a professor of political science at a small liberal arts college. “Have you read all these books?” she asked him, “I mean all these books?” Her father replied: “All of them. Twice.”

Joseph Edmund wants to become a fighter pilot someday, but he knows that is no small task. Now as a current member of the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) at Brigham Young University, his hard work over the past 10 years is paying off as he steps closer toward making his dreams become a reality.

With two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees, Tricia Seguine is no stranger to learning. From her beginning at the School of Accountancy in the BYU Marriott School of Business, she’s learned that she can use her unique educational blend from multiple degrees to make a positive impact.

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.

The first time senior Tehani Travis applied for a major at the BYU Marriott School of Business, she was sure it was the right path for her—but she didn’t get in. The next year, after much preparation, she applied to two majors and got into both. In front of her, two paths extended into the future, and she had to make a choice.

Because healthcare organizations include employees ranging from nurses to administrators, everyone must work as a team to solve institutional issues. To help prepare students for such collaboration, a new healthcare case competition called the Wasatch Cup invited students from colleges throughout the region to present healthcare solutions to industry professionals.

This past summer a group of ExDM students and faculty from BYU Marriott traveled through the Alaskan frontier. For two weeks, the class camped across the state to learn how exposure to nature and practicing grit can help them improve quality of life.

Jeff Dyer is not only interested in anomalies—he is also one himself. He is an experienced business strategist hardwired for organization, but he also believes serendipity plays a crucial role in his life. And as professor at the BYU Marriott School of Business teaching strategy, he continues to balance calculated plans and happy accidents.

Nearly 50 years ago, Nina Whitehead, an education major looking for a job that would fill a specific time slot in her schedule, found a listing as a word processor at what is now the BYU Marriott School of Business. She knew nothing about word processing, but she seized the chance and made the most of it. This adaptability has defined her career at BYU.

Sterling Petersen has such a passion for mountain biking, he decided to make it his day job. Since graduating from BYU Marriott’s entrepreneurship program, he’s created multiple startups focused on mountain biking products and has built a collaborative work environment in the process.

Jeff Bednar is a ghost hunter. And while the BYU business associate professor doesn’t have night vision cameras or ultrasensitive recording equipment, he’s found a bunch of ghosts — including several here at BYU.

Following the mission of the Ballard Center for Social Impact to solve global and community problems, adjunct professor Brent Goddard encourages students to do good. Although Goddard did not set out to lead social responsibility efforts, he was willing to embrace the opportunities that converted a product manager into a social impact practitioner and instructor.

Originally from the lush islands of Tonga, Malissa Fifita believes there are multiple pathways to personal success. A first-year student in the master of public administration program at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Fifita navigates life’s everchanging roads by drawing strength from her family, her culture, and her determination to serve others.

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.

For the last 15 years, at least one student from the School of Accountancy (SOA) at the BYU Marriott School of Business has earned this prestigious award; BYU is the only university to output such a consistent record of successful examinees. In the most recent exam cycle, two recent BYU graduates received the Elijah Watt Sells award: Mitchell Behling and Ryan Quade.

With over 20 years of experience in the United States Air Force, Barry Brewer has lived in many locations. As an associate professor of global supply chain at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Brewer has come to understand that living all over the world brings variety, but living in the moment brings happiness.