Brigitte Madrian, dean of the BYU Marriott School of Business, has announced the appointment of Isaac Smith, associate professor of organizational behavior and human resources, as the next chair of the Department of Management. Smith will succeed Paul Godfrey, who will return to full-time teaching and research, on July 1, 2026.
“We are extremely grateful for Paul’s service over the past four years in a large and relatively complex department,” Madrian says, noting the department’s addition of the business management program, support of the Healthcare Leadership Collaborative, development of a new study abroad program, increased student enrollment, and many other undergraduate and graduate initiatives.
“I am grateful that Isaac is willing to step into this role,” Madrian adds. “Isaac is both an exceptional teacher and scholar. He has been serving as the program director of the undergraduate business management major and has also been actively involved in many Sorensen Center efforts related to Christlike leadership."
Smith received a bachelor’s degree in both English and economics from BYU, an MBA from BYU Marriott, and a PhD in organizational behavior from the University of Utah. After five years of teaching as an assistant professor at Cornell University, Smith joined BYU Marriott in 2019.
His research focuses on the morality and ethics of organizations, which has been published in numerous top-tier academic journals. Smith has also consulted with Fortune 100 companies and worked with nonprofit organizations in Mongolia and Thailand dedicated to reducing poverty and encouraging economic self-reliance.
“One of the reasons I loved BYU as a student—and why I wanted to come back as a faculty member—was because of its focus on educating the ‘whole soul,’” Smith says. “I’m excited to work with the amazing faculty and staff in the Department of Management to continue working toward that goal. We will strive to help students become true Christlike leaders at home, at church, and at work.”
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 nine undergraduate programs with an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.