����ֱ��

At our annual ����ֱ�� Education college meetings this past fall, I introduced a theme for the conference (and perhaps the theme of my deanship): “We’re All on the Same Team.” Not only did I address that theme in my inaugural address as dean, but the faculty and staff sported matching softball shirts printed with the phrase. Perhaps that was a bit too “cheesy” (a word my grandchildren use a lot), but the theme reflects my own appreciation for the impact that the BYU ����ֱ�� Education team has had on my life and family through the years. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a winning team.

My position on the team changed somewhat with the appointment to serve as the thirteenth dean in the history of ����ֱ�� Education at ����ֱ��. I feel like I was called up from the end of the bench and inserted into an important game without being fully ready. Yet, as I look at my team, my own apprehensions about these new responsibilities are diminished. I am surrounded by great teammates in ����ֱ�� Education—faculty, staff, and students who are women and men of great ability and faithfulness—each with something important to contribute to the overall success of the work. I express appreciation to each of them, particularly the former deans and directors of the ����ֱ�� Studies Center. In addition, I am particularly grateful for the generous friends of ����ֱ�� Education who have helped fund so many of our endeavors. Each of them is a valuable member of our team. Likewise, we are grateful for our “teammates” who subscribe to the ����ֱ�� Educator and purchase the books published by the ����ֱ�� Studies Center. We’re all on the same team. Thanks to each of you for your own contributions to our work. With teamwork and your continued support, I am confident that the best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

Brent L. Top
Dean of ����ֱ�� Education