Employee Spotlight

After diverting his route to wander into an institute of religion at the University of Oklahoma, Travis Ruddle found a new life and a new path that would one day lead to teaching in the MPA program at the BYU Marriott School of Business.

Jonathan Liljegren knew early on that he loved accounting, teaching, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now at BYU Marriott, he loves being able to combine all three.

Global supply chain assistant professor Brett Hathaway spends much of his free time summiting mountains. His career path has uniquely equipped him to provide perspective to students in their own journeys.

Aliah Hall, the mental health and wellness specialist at BYU Marriott, encourages wholeness and belonging.

Daniel Blake always knew he was interested in starting a business. He just didn’t know his journey would start with a plate of french toast at Magleby’s Fresh and end with one of the largest food waste recycling companies in the United States.

Accounting faculty Sheri Thomas, single mother and former CFO, has never let challenges keep her from moving forward.

Jacob Steffen always knew he would jump at the chance to teach at the BYU Marriott School of Business because of the community and comradery he felt in the IS program as a student.

Taking over the bookkeeping for her family’s Idaho dairy farm taught fourteen-year-old Jenn Larson about unpredictable farming revenues, ignited her lifelong passion for finance, and inspired her to become a role model.

For Zack Fox, the importance of always showing up applies in football, life, and in his new role as an assistant professor of accounting.

Students, employees, and executives typically work hard to present themselves professionally, ensuring blazers are pressed and handshakes are firm. Yet BYU Marriott professor Kristen DeTienne, who has more than three decades of professional experience, calls for something beyond professionalism. “What’s that extra edge that helps you be effective and enjoy what you’re doing?” DeTienne says, “It’s personal connection.”

As a new associate professor of accounting, Brant Christensen uses his experience and love for teaching to help students navigate college life.

Jeffrey Burningham, adjunct faculty and partner to the Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, believes the creative process is pivotal to a fulfilling life.

With nearly three decades of experience at BYU Marriott, MBA academic program manager Christine Roundy helps students reach their goals by meeting individual needs.

After living and working in Seattle, New York, and Ohio, Jon Kerr—a brand-new School of Accountancy professor, tax law fanatic, and part-time beekeeper has circled back to BYU—the place where his family and his dreams of teaching began.

Years after pivotal conversations with her own undergraduate advisor, Heidi Engh become an advisor at BYU Marriott.

Adjunct marketing professor Scott Rackham brings his experienced flavor to the classroom.

David Wilson loves getting to the heart of things, whether he is breaking down complicated ideas in the classroom or busting down walls to renovate his house.

Neil Lundberg, the chair of the Department of Experience Design and Management, has witnessed the ExDM program change and evolve.