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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.

Dean's Office Directory
Dean & Associate Deans
Assistant Deans
Admin Support Staff
Student Employees
Other Offices

Laura Padilla-Walker

Dean
Professor of Family Life

990-C KMBL
(801) 422-2083
laura_walker@byu.edu

Mikaela Dufur

Associate Dean
Faculty
Professor of Sociology

990D KMBL
(801) 422-1720
mikaela_dufur@byu.edu

Samuel Otterstrom

Associate Dean
Students
Professor of Geography​

990Q KMBL
(801) 422-7751
samuel_otterstrom@byu.edu

Niwako Yamawaki

Associate Dean
Belonging
Professor of Psychology

990A KMBL
(801) 422-8053
niwako_yamawaki@byu.edu

Mike Bridenbaugh

Assistant Dean
Controller


990H KMBL
(801) 422-2152
michael_bridenbaugh@byu.edu

Danny Damron

Assistant Dean
Experiential Learning &
Professional Development

945 KMBL
(801) 422-2168
danny_damron@byu.edu

Jordan Karpowitz

Assistant Dean
Communications & External Relations

946 KMBL
(801) 422-1320
jordan_karpowitz@byu.edu
fhss_communications@byu.edu

Joseph Olsen

Assistant Dean
Director of Information Technology and the FHSS Research Support Center

922 KMBL
(801) 422-6296
joseph_olsen@byu.edu

Carina Alleman

Assistant to the Dean

990B KMBL
(801) 422-2084
carina.alleman@byu.edu

Sarah Rogers

College Events Coordinator

990F KMBL
(801) 422-1355
sarah.rogers@byu.edu

Kathleen Reyes

Administrative Coordinator

990N KMBL
(801) 422-3819
kathleen_reyes@byu.edu

Amy Foote

Assistant Controller

990K KMBL
(801) 422-8192
amy_foote@byu.edu

Lee Ferrin

Staff Specialist

990 KMBL
(801) 422-0808
lee.ferrin@byu.edu

College Lectures

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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.