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Business Management MPA 2021
With her heart pounding, MPA student Olivia Hoj-Simister anxiously awaited the sound of the buzzer to start the race that would, in the end, crown her a national champion.
BYU Marriott MPA alum Ed Thatcher grew up on a farm, and he learned that farming was long, hard work. Though many enjoy the lifestyle, Thatcher decided living on a farm wasn't for him.
Applying for graduate school, much like biking a 430-mile relay, requires hard work, determination, and perseverance. Brandon Benally, a first-year MPA student at the BYU Marriott School of Business, hasn’t been afraid to accept either challenge.
Throughout his ninety years, Karl Snow has used his experiences to serve the community in many ways: working for the Utah state government, the BYU Marriott School of Business, and South African humanitarian projects.
Ten years ago, Chad Lewis successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, but he's accomplished more than just reaching the summit of one of the world's tallest peaks. Years later, his mountain-conquering experience encouraged him to continue to make and achieve his goals.
The Utah State Capitol was unusually quiet in early 2021, even though the legislature’s annual session was in full swing. “There just wasn’t the bustle we usually have,” says Megan Selin Allen, a 2010 MPA alum. “The capitol was closed to the public for the first couple of weeks, and even after it opened, just our interns could be in the gallery. Only representatives, staff, and approved others could be on the floor. We had COVID-19 testing going on every day, and for the first time, some legislators participated via Zoom.”
Jennifer Tinkham, a JD/MPA alumna of the BYU Marriott School of Business, understands the power of a simple smile to change the world.
Since graduating from the MPA program at BYU Marriott, Jackie Suggitt has worked to create a more sustainable future for the planet.
BYU Marriott MPA student Lady Ikeya sees evidence of a shared humanity through small acts of kindness from her peers and professors.
Four BYU Marriott students helped create a sustainable alternative for Walmart's supply chain process through the Ballard Center for Social Impact.
According to a new study co-authored by BYU Marriott professor Robert Christensen, when a diverse organization has an ethical leader, the negative workplace dynamics that can surface are mitigated.
As the current chief administrative officer of the city of Provo, BYU Marriott MPA alum Wayne Parker strives to continually look to the future of the city he leads.
Almost everything is a learning curve when you’re starting a business, and Sandy Whitaker, a 2003 business management alum, acknowledges that there can be plenty of bumps and detours along the way. But as she and her husband, Tim, a physical therapist, worked to realize their long-term goal of opening a physical therapy practice, Whitaker found that navigating the curve was easier because of knowledge and skills she had gathered along the way—from her formal education, her past jobs, and even her hobbies.
When Stephen H. Russell reflects on his life, he is struck by the way seemingly small decisions and ordinary situations have blossomed into extraordinary opportunities. “None of this was part of a strategic plan,” he says, “and I feel grateful when I see all the times Heavenly Father has blessed me.”
Working for the Romney Institute as department secretary, director of student services, and eventually associate director has done more for Catherine Cooper than merely confirm the reality of spiritual promptings she's received throughout her life.
As an associate professor for the Romney Institute at BYU Marriott, Nelson is working with an MPA student and members of the state government to create a web application to make tracking tax money easier for the state and local governments.
Though students at the BYU Marriott haven't been able to meet together in person like they normally would, students in the EMPA program managed to find a way to get together.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Thomas Y.K. Fong has long loved learning about the earth’s natural processes. He originally planned to earn a bachelor’s degree in geology at BYU and then pursue graduate studies in oceanography. But during one midwinter geology field trip to St. George, Utah, a sandstorm blew through the group’s campsite, prompting Fong to reconsider whether his studies had brought him too close to nature for comfort. “Halfway through that cold, sand-blown night, I’m thinking, ‘Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?’” Fong recalls.
In 1968 more than 150 students graduated from BYU Marriott with degrees in business management. Kristi Taylor Lawrence was one of the few women in that graduating class.
BYU Marriott fared well in the recently released U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings for graduate programs. Both the MBA and MPA programs were ranked, as were four graduate program emphases.

Whether he's working with employees or in an untamed backyard, BYU Marriott EMPA student John Cowgill enjoys helping people and plants realize and cultivate their hidden potential.