News Releases 

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.

One of 15 children, Trixie Judd spent much of her childhood helping raise her younger siblings. Now at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Judd feels at home in the strategy program, where leadership, hard work, and close bonds are valued—just as they were growing up.

At the 2023 University Conference in August, Brigham Young University recognized a handful of faculty and staff across campus for their efforts in advancing research and experiential learning as well as their exemplary contributions to the university. Among those honored were three faculty members from the BYU Marriott School of Business: Jeff Dyer, Eric Blum, and Isaac Smith.

When the stock market crashed in 2008, accounting graduate Jameela Wilcox Howell jumped in to help her husband start Cordovan Art School in Texas. Although challenging, the BYU Marriott School of Business had prepared Howell for life as a mother and business owner.

Researchers from UNC Charlotte, University of Louisville, University of Georgia and Brigham Young University analyzed how the race and gender of federal judges might be impacting judicial processes. Specifically, they wanted to see which types of judges get the most attention from their peers when they have complete discretion to reference another judge’s work.

Nine undergraduate students at the BYU Marriott School of Business were recently honored as 2023 Bateman Award recipients for their commitment to academics and service and for demonstrating the college’s vision, mission, and values.

As a member of the Army Reserves and an MBA student in the BYU Marriott School of Business, Jared Sturgell believes in serving others. Over time, Sturgell has found helping others brings immense satisfaction in life, and he continues to serve as a volunteer advisor for the BYU Army ROTC.

The global and community impact minor teaches students how to be a positive influence not only for the nonprofit, government, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility sectors but also for whatever professions students pursue. Through taking the 17 required credits offered by the Ballard Center for Social Impact, students learn ways to solve complex social problems and uplift their communities.

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.