Character

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Candilyn Newell, career director at the College of Life Sciences.

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Tracy Flinders, vice president of information technology vice president and chief information officer.

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Ray Smith, professor of music, director of Synthesis and member of the BYU faculty jazz quintet, Q'd Up.

All within the past five years, Jordan Coburn graduated with a double major in sociology and Spanish, worked as an English tutor, had four children and earned her graduate degree in sociology.

As BYU senior and acting major Langi Tuifua prepares to graduate this week, he reflects on how life doesn’t always go as you might expect. Just a few years ago, no one could have imagined that he would be an actor on stage, even Tuifua.

At BYU’s commencement exercises this week, University Honors student Emilee Carr will represent the graduates as the student speaker. A molecular biology major with a minor in chemistry, Carr, like her fellow classmates, has accrued many achievements as a BYU undergraduate.

The needs Paoloa Piña saw in her hometown motivated her to prepare for a career in healthcare when she came to BYU. Graduating this year with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and wellness and a minor in gerontology, she plans to become a physician assistant specializing in women’s health and wants to work with rural Latino populations.

Over the past four years, associate university carillonneur Amber Dahlberg has enjoyed what she calls “the best view” of BYU. From the carillon inside the top of the bell tower, the BYU student has performed hundreds of the university’s traditional 30-minute noon recitals, providing an inspiring campus soundtrack for students, staff and visitors going about their business.

Adia Hansen, a nursing student, credits her success and diverse opportunities for experiential learning to BYU. “Nursing trade schools don’t have the learning opportunities that BYU does.”

“It’s been a privilege to come to BYU, and I want to make sure I’m living up to that incredible privilege. I feel called by God to a life of teaching and helping those who might be less fortunate.”

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Bridger Talbot, Enrollment Services counselor.

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Anthony Sweat, an associate teaching professor of church history and doctrine.

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Megan Sanborn Jones, chair of the Department of Theater and Media Arts.

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Justin Collings, law professor and associate dean.

Having lived most of his life in Provo, Lopez says he often envisioned studying at BYU and being part of the campus community. After finding a passion for dance at age 13, one of his dreams included joining BYU’s Living Legends, an award-winning song and dance group that celebrates the native cultural heritage of North and South America and the South Pacific through music, costume and dance.

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat–and BYU employees are staying busy with their special holiday traditions. Check out some of their favorite holiday celebration suggestions and find some new ideas for your Christmas!

Education has always been important to the Lopez family. In high school, she worked hard to earn a 4.0 GPA while juggling other extracurricular activities such as being cheer captain, manager of the school soccer team, and member of the student council. She says receiving the scholarship represents something bigger than herself and her hard work.

Cougar Queries are a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life. Today, we meet Gilbert Fellingham, professor of statistics.