Curtis Child is named associate dean over faculty development and Jeff Nokes is re-appointed as associate dean over students and curriculum.
The BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences announces leadership updates ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year. Laura Padilla-Walker, dean of the college, has accepted from the university a second five-year term as dean and she appoints Curtis Child, chair of the Sociology Department, as associate dean over faculty development. Jeffery Nokes, associate dean over students and curriculum and history professor, is appointed for a second three-year term. The appointments begin July 1.
Justin Collings, academic vice president at Brigham Young University, announced Padilla-Walker's second term in an email on April 27 saying, “Dean Padilla-Walker is a leader of tremendous capacity and consecration.... Reading the extensive comments about her first term from the College's faculty, staff, and administrative employees was moving and inspiring. [She] has been a vocal champion of BYU's dual heritage, which she embodies as well as expounds.”
During her first term, Padilla-Walker and her team focused on relationships and individuals to help build community in the college and support excellence. “We have a strong focus on building faith and testimony and covenant belonging for our students, faculty, and staff, and have seen increases in students reporting these positive outcomes,” says Padilla-Walker.
The college is also seeing marked improvement in student success indicators, despite already having strong support systems for students. Faculty are redoubling classroom efforts to provide extra support for struggling students and to ensure the opportunity for learning is maximized for all students. Additionally, 85% of students in the college graduate with two or more experiential learning opportunities on average and there are continued efforts to support and expand those opportunities.
“I feel like the best thing I try to do is elevate and empower excellent faculty and staff to do what they do best as they fully embrace the mission of BYU and bless the lives of our students,” she says.
Consistent with her track record of working with individuals who focus on relationships, Padilla-Walker appointed Child to associate dean due in part to his nature as a “careful listener who will work well with faculty and support them in their excellent work.” She believes that “he strives to see the good in others and desires to magnify their accomplishments.” As Sociology Department chair for the past five years, Child has demonstrated that he is a highly organized and effective administrator.
In his new role, Child will be responsible for finding ways to support faculty members by overseeing the rank and status process, awards, and computing services. Child says he hopes to build on the thoughtful and creative leadership he’s seen from Mikaela Dufur, sociology professor, whom he is replacing as associate dean.
As Dufur departs from her administrative role of the past six years, Padilla-Walker remarks on her excellent contributions. “Mikaela has been a great strength to the college and to me, personally. Her humor, experience, and perspective had a marked influence on our college leadership team. We’re grateful for how she helped create a more Christ-centered environment where everyone could feel included and we look forward to supporting her in her next adventure.” Dufur is scheduled to lead the Washington Seminar as faculty advisor for the upcoming fall and winter semesters.
Jeffrey Nokes from the history department continues as associate dean of students for another three years. Padilla-Walker expresses gratitude for Nokes and his ongoing leadership and pedagogy expertise that meaningfully contribute to student success.
“His steadiness and deep kindness consistently moderate and unify the college leadership team and the faculty and students he serves,” she says. “He is deeply dedicated to BYU students and his selflessness and goodness benefit us all.”
About the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Formed in 1981, the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences is home to seven departments, two schools, 4,700 students, and nearly 400faculty and staff across four campus buildings, and offers over 30 degrees. The college approaches its vision of building a beloved community by empowering individuals to strengthen hearts, families, relationships, and societies. Education is based in a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and promotes the dignity and divine nature of all by valuing both diversity and unity; pursues truth through rigorous methods, careful analysis, and gospel methodology; and encourages the development of engaged and compassionate citizens dedicated to lifelong learning and service. Learn more at https://socialsciences.byu.edu.