2025 Connections Magazine

These powerful lectures feature scholars and leaders reflecting on faith, belonging, family, history, and social change. Read our favorite quotes from these lectures.

Imagine a world where the latest academic research is not just confined to scholarly journals but is readily available in an engaging, understandable format. Thanks to professors turned podcasters, that world is already here. Lifelong learning can be as convenient as tuning in while commuting, exercising, or even tackling a honey-do list.

Humane sciences obviously suggests a focus on humans—how we think, love, create, connect, worship, gather, contest, unite, divide, struggle, suffer, exult, rejoice, and overcome. At their best, the humane sciences constitute the careful, penetrating, exuberant study of God’s children across the full gamut of their mortal experience. Such study, I contend, remains indispensable, no matter how fast technology advances or how diffusely it permeates our society.

There is no substitute for real-world experience, but learning doesn’t come from experience alone. Familiarity with the experiential learning cycle—intention, implementation, and reflection—sets students up for success.

Elizabeth Byers worked as a clinical therapist intern for 10 months at Family Services in Provo, where she had opportunities to treat individuals and couples, give presentations, and facilitate group therapy. Read about her experience.

Throughout the year, we love asking students to share about their faith and their BYU experience—whether on a Christmas tree ornament or a sticky note. Here’s what some of them had to say.

For Erika Olson (BS ’25), one of the benefits of being a sociology student was learning how to understand and connect with others.

“Mentored research is just one of many ways—but an important way—that our students are able to engage in inspiring learning,” said Dean Laura Padilla-Walker at the April 2025 Mary Lou Fulton Mentored Student Research Conference. “We feel that the opportunities students have to engage with faculty research are a real strength of the programs that we offer.”

These recently published books by college faculty showcase wide-ranging scholarship—from ancient Mesoamerica and medieval Europe to Cold War geopolitics, the Soviet Gulag, and modern democratic movements. Together, they reflect the depth and global reach of research shaping conversations in archaeology, history, political science, and family life.

Alumnus Steve Willis (BS ’95) exemplifies a life of service as he leads a new mission in El Paso, drawing on his social sciences training to foster connection, confidence, and community.

Our new faculty members unite scholarly excellence with a deep commitment to students and the university’s mission. This article highlights the college of each faculty member and their education.

This tribute honors the enduring legacies of two beloved BYU faculty members whose lives and teaching profoundly shaped their students and disciplines. Through transformative scholarship, mentorship, and unwavering devotion to learning and service, Stanley Jay Knapp and George Ryskamp left an impact that continues to inspire.

This memorial honors the lives and legacies of beloved faculty members whose scholarship, teaching, and service shaped generations of students and strengthened the college.