After years of dedicated service, several professors from the McKay School of Education have retired, leaving behind a legacy of teaching, mentorship, and academic leadership. The McKay School recognizes each retired faculty member’s contributions to the university and the field of education, including their research, service, and the lasting impressions they have made on students and colleagues. From groundbreaking publications to compassionate classroom instruction, their work has helped shape the future of education at BYU and beyond.
Pamela Hallam (EDLF)
Hallam retired as Chair of BYU’s Educational Leadership and Foundations department, a role she has held since 2016, after a distinguished career marked by academic excellence and real-world leadership. With experience as a teacher, principal, and district administrator, she brought practical insight to her courses on educational change, human-resource management, and principal roles. Her research on trust, professional learning communities, and systemic change has advanced the field of educational leadership. She has been recognized with the McKay School’s Nancy Perry Marriott Outstanding Teacher Award, the Distinguished Project in Public Education Award, and was named Utah State Principal of the Year in 1996 and a National Principal of the Year finalist in 1997. Her leadership has helped shape a culture of trust, collaboration, and learning within the department.
Macleans Geo-JaJa (EDLF)
Geo‑JaJa retired from the BYU Educational Leadership and Foundations department after a distinguished career focused on global education and development. Since joining the faculty in 1986, he has become a respected scholar in the economics of education, particularly in Sub‑Saharan Africa. His extensive research on globalization, educational equity, and development has been featured in top journals and presented at international conferences. He has also served as a Fulbright senior specialist in China and is recognized as a leading education economist in Africa. His scholarship and global perspective have greatly enriched the department and inspired generations of students.
Bryan Bowles (EDLF)
Bowles retired from the BYU Educational Leadership and Foundations department after a career that blended practical leadership with academic insight. A former superintendent of Davis School District, he brought over 14 years of K–12 leadership experience to the classroom, along with a unique, hands-on approach that included regularly substituting in schools. His teaching and research focused on organizational leadership, teacher quality, school policy, and gender dynamics in hiring. He has been recognized with the McKay School’s Nancy Peery Marriott Excellence in Teaching Award, the Davis Chamber’s Legacy Award, and was named Utah School Superintendent of the Year. His commitment to student success and real-world leadership has left a lasting impact on the department and its future educators.
Dr. Richard Sudweeks (IP&T/EIME)
Sudweeks retired after more than forty years at BYU, where he served in Instructional Psychology & Technology and Educational Inquiry, Measurement & Evaluation. A respected expert in measurement theory, test development, and research design, he helped generations of students develop strong foundations in educational assessment. His research on validity, reliability, and response styles has contributed significantly to the field. He has been honored with the Benjamin Cluff Jr. Award for Excellence in Education, the Steven M. Rose Faculty Fellowship, and the Nancy Peery Marriott Outstanding Mentor Award. His legacy is one of academic rigor and devoted mentorship.
Dr. Keven Prusak (TED)
Prusak, a Physical Education professor in BYU’s Teacher Education department, retired after a career dedicated to elevating K–12 PE and preparing future educators. A BYU alumnus, he redesigned elementary PE programs, introduced innovative tech labs for teacher evaluation, and mentored countless students. His passion and expertise earned him multiple awards, including Teacher of the Year and honors for exemplary scholarship. Dr. Prusak’s legacy lies in his enthusiasm, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for the recognition and rigor of physical education in schools.
Dr. Michael Cowan (TED)
Dr. Michael B. Cowan retired as Associate Teaching Professor and liaison for the BYU–Public School Partnership, concluding a career defined by collaborative, evidence-based leadership. A BYU alumnus who earned his M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Arizona State University, he previously served as superintendent of Mesa Public Schools. At BYU, he led the Jordan School District partnership and co-coordinated the Elementary Education Program, focusing on educational effectiveness and systems efficiency. His work has empowered aspiring educators and district leaders to implement best practices and result-driven initiatives aimed at improving student and teacher outcomes. His legacy endures in the strengthened bonds between BYU and public schools and the enhanced leadership skills of countless educators.
As these esteemed faculty members have retired, the McKay School of Education celebrates their remarkable contributions to teaching, leadership, and scholarship. Their influence will continue to shape future educators, inspire innovation, and strengthen communities for years to come. While their presence on campus will be missed, their legacies remain firmly rooted in the students, programs, and partnerships they helped build.