Connections Magazine 2026

Laura Padilla-Walker Reappointed to Serve Second Term as Dean

Anthropology

Meet the college’s 2025 cohort of new hires on the continuing faculty status (CFS) track.

Dear alumni and friends,

The Wonder of Scripture Lecture Series: “Seeking Miracles”

A world yearning for hope and joy needs the graduates of Brigham Young University— disciples of Jesus Christ who are motivated by love for God and His children. Read what alumni say they can do because of their BYU experience.

On July 4, 2026, the United States of America turned 250. The semiquincentennial is more than a milestone—it’s an invitation to ask hard questions about the American experiment.

Women who take active roles in government bring important perspectives and lived experiences that help create a better world. Their participation benefits society by improving representation and opening opportunities. Meet three women who once studied in the classrooms of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and now offer examples of hope through their service to US citizens on city, county, and state levels.

Heeding prophetic counsel—whether in your personal life, family, or profession—is always a sound practice. And it’s marvelous how initial sparks of inspiration can be magnified to produce brilliant efforts.

New award categories give BYU students more ways to connect their research to university-wide themes

Psychologists explain how to use your heart, head, and hands to find answers to key questions.

Whether through an internship, mentored research, study abroad program, field school, community service, campus engagement, or other learning opportunity outside the classroom, experiential learning helps students expand their horizons.

Archaeological Structuration: A Critical Engagement for the Twenty-First Century

As a social work intern for the Utah Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole, I have had the opportunity to sit with people who are engaging in the real work of hard change. Some of the most powerful experiences of my internship came as I helped people start to learn about their true identities as children of God.