About Us
Our Vision
Together, we build the beloved community of Zion by empowering individuals to strengthen hearts, families, relationships, and societies.
Our Mission
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences work to foster a deep and broad understanding of humankind. We are committed to equipping students with tools and methods to pursue truth and to solve complicated global issues from a foundation of faith. We educate students to recognize and value both diversity and unity, with the purpose of promoting the dignity and divine nature of all of God’s children. We do this by expanding knowledge and understanding; modeling curiosity and love of learning; providing challenging and faith building experiences both inside and outside the classroom; applying careful analysis and rigorous methods to hard questions; and encouraging students, faculty, and staff to be engaged and compassionate citizens. We acknowledge God will yet reveal many great and important things, and we faithfully seek after these truths.
Upcoming Events
America at the Crossroads: States of America
BYU Professor Brad Barber shares what he has learned about our country while filming States of America, a series of documentary shorts featuring a resident from each state in the U.S. Come learn about his experiences and what he discovered while traveling across the country.
238 HRCB
FHSS TA Training
This is a mandatory meeting for ALL teaching assistants for courses in the college and must be completed each year. Speakers from CAPS, Title IX, and Crucial Conversations. Come get the required for your job!
250 KMBL
National Voter Registration Day
Civic Engagement volunteers will be at tables around campus to help students register to vote. Free donuts while supplies last!
Washington Seminar and Utah State Legislature Info Session
Learn about internship opportunities in Washington DC and at the Utah State Capitol — and enjoy some pizza.
238 HRCB
Dean's Office Directory
Admin Support Staff
Dean & Associate Deans
Assistant Deans
Student Employees
Other Offices
Danny Damron
Assistant Dean
Experiential Learning &
Professional Development
1049U JFSB
(801) 422-2168
danny_damron@byu.edu
Experiential Learning &
Professional Development
1049U JFSB
(801) 422-2168
danny_damron@byu.edu
Joseph Olsen
Assistant Dean
Director of Information Technology and the FHSS Research Support Center
930 KMBL
(801) 422-6296
joseph_olsen@byu.edu
Director of Information Technology and the FHSS Research Support Center
930 KMBL
(801) 422-6296
joseph_olsen@byu.edu
Sherami Jara
Assistant Dean
Director, Liberal Arts Advisement & Careers
1049F JFSB
(801) 422-0983
sherami_jara@byu.edu
Director, Liberal Arts Advisement & Careers
1049F JFSB
(801) 422-0983
sherami_jara@byu.edu
Annual Faculty and Staff Awards Presented at Fall Meeting
Excellence in service, teaching, mentorship, and professional development in the College of Family, Home, and Social Science was recognized during the annual Fall Meeting on August 26, 2026.
New Department Chair and School Directors Announced
The College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences announces the appointment of Brian Willoughby, associate professor of family life, as director of the School of Family Life, Cole Hooley, associate professor of social work, as director of the School of Social Work, and Ryan Gabriel, associate professor of sociology, as chair of the Sociology Department. The appointments became effective July 1, 2026.
College News
Laura Padilla-Walker Reappointed to Serve Second Term as Dean
College Lecture Series
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Marjorie P. Hinckley
The Marjorie Pay Hinckley Endowed Chair in Social Work and the Social Sciences honors Sister Hinckley's commitment to strengthening home and family. The Chair enriches the educational and professional lives of students and faculty in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences as they strive to alleviate problems faced by individuals and families worldwide.
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Martin B. Hickman
The Hickman Lecture is presented annually by a faculty member who received the Martin B. Hickman Scholar Award for being a distinguished faculty member whose professional contributions to the college emulate excellence. The 2022-23 award recipient is Dr. Matt Bekker in the Department of Geography.
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Alumni Achievement
Brigham Young University graduates with significant professional accomplishments from each college are honored with Alumni Achievement Awards during Homecoming. The honorees each give a lecture that is targeted towards students, but is open to the public. The following are lectures from FHSS Alumni Achievement Award recipients.
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Virginia F. Cutler
This lecture series is named after Virginia F. Cutler, former dean of the College of Family Living (now the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences). Dr. Cutler spent her entire life educating people on the home and family. She also cared deeply about women and people in other nations, and her career took her across the globe as she served people in Thailand, Indonesia and Ghana.
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Martin B. Hickman Belonging
The Hickman Belonging Lecture is presented annually by a faculty member who received the Hickman Belonging Award based on their research, teaching, and citizenship in the area of diversity and inclusion. The 2022–23 award recipient is Dr. Leslie Hadfield in the Department of History.
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Picture a Social Scientist
To promote feelings of belonging, the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences is hosting monthly “Picture a Social Scientist” events that will feature inspiring social science professionals students can relate to.
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Endowed Chairs
Mary Lou Fulton
The Fulton Chair supports causes and programs that uphold and strengthen the family unit. Mary Lou was particularly sensitive to helping others remain free of addictive substances or crippling afflictions that limit their possibilities in life. She understood the importance of preparing future families for success by educating youth about principles that foster strong, eternal family relationships. The Mary Lou Fulton Chair in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences stands as a tribute to her life of service, to high values, and to family.
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
The Marjorie Pay Hinckley Endowed Chair in Social Work and the Social Sciences honors Sister Hinckley's commitment to strengthening home and family. The Chair enriches the educational and professional lives of students and faculty in the College of Family Home and Social Sciences as they strive to alleviate problems faced by individuals and families worldwide.
Lemuel Hardison Redd, Jr.
The Lemuel Hardison Redd, Jr. Chair in Western American history was established in 1972 by Charles and Annaley Redd, prominent Utah ranchers and philanthropists, to promote and honor research, publication and teaching in western American history. The chair was named in honor of the father of Charlie Redd, who settled and developed Latter-day Saint communities in the slickrock desert of southeastern Utah and established a sprawling livestock empire.