Office Hours is a series focusing on unique artifacts that BYU employees display in their offices.
When people think of an office or a classroom, “zen” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind.
Masters of Public Administration Professor Rob Christensen’s office is different.
Lamps fill the room with warm lighting that surrounds the chaise lounge chair in the corner; a faint sound of trickling water comes from a decorative fountain on the table; and a large plant brings life to the space.
Instead of feeling like a typical office, the room feels like a place where people can slow down. The atmosphere of Christensen’s office is intentional.
“I want it to feel peaceful,” Christensen said. “I want it to feel like a place where students want to come in and talk about class, or stuff not related to class, or if they need a little break.”
Beyond creating a peaceful space, Christensen fills his office with objects that represent the values and lessons he hopes to share with his students. From artwork and figurines to gifts from former students, nearly everything in the room tells a story.
His favorite piece is a portrait of his great-grandmother, Martha Heaton Porter, taken by renowned photographer Ansel Adams.
Christensen came across the photograph while flipping through a commercial photography book and immediately recognized her name. Beyond its rarity, the portrait reminds him of his great-grandmother’s consecrated life and represents the values he hopes to pass on to his students.
As a professor, Christensen hopes to prepare students to build “Zion-like societies” through thoughtful leadership and public service.
Small mascot figurines represent each university where he has taught, while hand-painted Chinese scrolls from former exchange students reflect the lasting relationships he has built throughout his career.
Rather than decorating the office just to fill the space, Christensen surrounds himself with reminders of the people, experiences and lessons that have shaped his life.
Hanging on one wall is a poster of country music legend Willie Nelson receiving an honorary doctorate. Christensen keeps it as a reminder “not to take myself too seriously.” The poster reflects the lightheartedness he tries to bring into both his office and his classroom.
“I definitely want it to be a space students want to come to,” Christensen said.
More than creating a peaceful environment, Christensen hopes the office invites conversation. Each photograph, figurine and keepsake offers students a chance to ask questions, hear a story and connect beyond the classroom. In that way, the room isn't just designed to feel "zen" — it's also designed to help meaningful conversations begin.
