At the 2026 BYU University Conference, four BYU Marriott School of Business employees received awards in recognition of their service and contributions across campus.
The Abraham O. Smoot Citizenship Award was presented to Bonnie Anderson for her sustained service and personal sacrifice to the BYU community. Anderson is the IB and Eleanor Romney Professor of Information Systems at BYU Marriott; she has served as associate dean of faculty and research, chair of the Department of Information Systems, and director of the MISM program. As a scholar in cybersecurity and human behavior, her research combines neuroscience and information systems to improve how people respond to security threats.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” Anderson says. “My time at BYU has been highlighted by the immense fulfillment that comes from teaching, mentoring, and watching students grow into impactful leaders. Along the way I have had amazing colleagues in my department, college, and the university.”
James Gaskin received the Karl G. Maeser Research and Creative Arts Award for his significant recognition in research. Gaskin is a professor of information systems and a Grant & David Distinguished Fellow. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in information systems from BYU Marriott and his PhD in information systems from Case Western Reserve University. He has more than 225 articles on human-computer interaction, augmented reality, and mental health, and he is also known for his contributions to methodological scholarship.
“I’m deeply grateful for the extraordinary support BYU Marriott has given me throughout my career,” Gaskin shares. “I feel remarkably fortunate to be part of this community and I am deeply honored to receive this award.”
A President’s Appreciation Award was given to Chad Little for his contributions and commitment to the mission and aims of the university. Little is the marketing and public relations director at BYU Marriott, where he is responsible for media outreach, strategic communications, and marketing efforts. Recently, he served on the executive committee for BYU’s 150th anniversary celebration, helping coordinate and create engagements and activations for the BYU community.
“I’m grateful and humbled to receive this award and recognition,” Little remarks. “One of the great blessings of working at BYU is the opportunity to work alongside amazing colleagues and students who care deeply about the university and its mission, and I feel fortunate to play a small part in that work.”
The Karl G. Maeser Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Brad Owens in recognition of his sustained and inspiring teaching at BYU Marriott. Owens is the Stewart L. Grow Professor in the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics, where he teaches business ethics. As an award-winning researcher, his widely published research focuses on the impact of leader humility on individuals and teams, ethical leadership, and positive organizational scholarship.
“Receiving this award is a great honor,” Owens says. “I am indebted to my colleagues in the Romney Institute and feel greatly blessed to work at BYU Marriott, whose core aim is to help students build Christlike character and influence.”
About BYU Marriott
The BYU Marriott School of Business aspires to transform the world through Christlike leadership by developing leaders of faith, intellect, and character. Named for benefactors J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott, the school is located at Brigham Young University. BYU Marriott has four graduate and ten undergraduate programs with an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.