June 30, 2023
Beginning July 1, Jeffery Nokes, professor of history, will begin his tenure as an associate dean in the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences.
“We’re pleased to welcome Jeff to this role and are eager for students and faculty in the college to benefit from his expertise in pedagogy — particularly in the field of social science,” says Laura Padilla-Walker, dean of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at BYU. “As we further integrate experiential learning opportunities into our programs, we feel working with Jeff is a great next step to better prepare students with core competencies for lifelong learning and service.”
Nokes has a background in teaching and brings expertise in teacher preparation, democratic education, and curriculum development as well as pedagogy. He has received several awards that highlight his excellence in teaching: Martin Hickman Excellence in Teaching award from the college (2015), Excellence in Teaching: Best of State from the National Council for Social Studies (2016), Karl G. Maeser Excellence in Teaching award from the university (2019), and the Frank Fox Excellence in Teaching award from his department (2019).
Nokes became an assistant professor of history in 2009 and has worked at BYU since 2005. He earned a PhD in teaching and learning from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in gifted and talented education from Utah State University. He completed undergraduate studies in history education at BYU.
Specific responsibilities Nokes will take on as associate dean include curriculum and teaching, academic advisement, assessment, education preparation, the bachelor of general studies, graduate studies in the college, writing instruction, international study, online and independent studies, the BYU-Salt Lake Center, and scholarships. For the college, he will also remediate student complaints, lead the Career Development Council, and oversee the Mary Lou Fulton Mentored Student Research Conference each semester.
Sam Otterstrom, professor of geography and associate dean for the past seven years will return to research and teaching in the Geography Department.
“Sam has been a great advocate for our faculty and students and was always patient, kind, and wise as he helped shape college initiatives,” says Padilla-Walker. “His Christ-like character has made us all better, and we know his department is eager to have his full contribution again.”
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