Award Recipients from the College of Fine Arts and Communications Were Announced at the 2026 Annual University Conference and College Meeting.
Four faculty members from the College of Fine Arts and Communications were honored with some of Brigham Young University’s highest awards, recognizing excellence in teaching, professional service and contributions to the university. Through their work, the recipients have made lasting contributions to their fields while strengthening BYU’s academic and artistic reputation both locally and around the world.
In addition, eight CFAC faculty and staff members were honored with college awards recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentorship and citizenship, as well as outstanding performance in their roles.
UNIVERSITY AWARDS
Maeser Professional Faculty Excellence Award | Aaron Merrill | Music
The Karl G. Maeser Professional Faculty Excellence Award recognizes Aaron Merrill for his outstanding achievement in fulfilling professional faculty responsibilities. Merrill, commercial music division coordinator in the School of Music, is an award-winning composer, music producer and sound engineer whose work can be heard on hundreds of productions worldwide. His work spans film, television, advertising, albums, video games and corporate media and has been distributed on major broadcast and streaming platforms including ABC, CBS, Fox Sports, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more. He has contributed to projects that have earned more than 40 industry awards, including three regional Emmy Awards and multiple CINE and Telly Awards.
Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award | Robin Hancock | Music
The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award recognizes the contributions of part-time faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching or other professional responsibilities over a period of at least five years. Robin J. Hancock has taught piano in BYU’s School of Music for the past 32 years. He is a member of the acclaimed American Piano Quartet and performed more than 300 recitals during his first decade at BYU. He has performed at venues across the world including the 1974 Spokane World’s Fair, Liszt Academy in Budapest, Gulangyu Piano Island in China, Hyde Park Chapel in London and the American Embassy at Spaso House in Moscow. Hancock finds joy in teaching students not only to become competent musicians but musician-disciples who will help hasten the work of the gospel. He reassures students that doors will open to them in whatever career path they choose if they put their holy obligations first.
Early Career Teaching Award | Hilary Wolfley | Dance
The Early Career Teaching Award honors faculty who demonstrate outstanding promise and contributions in teaching. Hilary Wolfley is the ballet area coordinator and director of the BYU Theatre Ballet Studio Company in the Department of Dance. She holds a BA from BYU and an MFA from Hollins University. A former professional dancer, her award-winning choreography has been presented nationally and internationally. Having earned multiple professional certifications, she is passionate about mentoring students and exploring the intersection of creativity and motherhood through dance.
Randall L. Morgan Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellowship Award | Adam Dyer | Dance
The Randall L. Morgan Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellowship Award recognizes the outstanding achievement in teaching and supports continued efforts to enhance teaching and learning across the university. Adam Dyer is associate chair of the Department of Dance and an associate professor of contemporary dance. He teaches contemporary technique, conditioning, partnering, aerial dance, composition and musical theatre. His professional career includes Broadway, Walt Disney Entertainment, “Le Reve: the Dream,” The House of Dancing Water and Royal Caribbean. His choreography has been featured at BYU, the REV Theatre Company in New York, Sundance Summer Theatre and Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, Utah. Dyer holds degrees from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater/Fordham University and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
COLLEGE FACULTY AWARDS
Excellence in Teaching Award | Clark Callahan | Communications
The CFAC Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes Clark Callahan of the School of Communications. Callahan joined the School of Communications in 2008 and has taught classes in intercultural and international communication, communication theory and research methods. He earned a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Oklahoma, an MA From West Texas A&M University, and a BA in communications from Brigham Young University. Before joining BYU, he taught at Penn State York and the University of South Dakota. His research focuses on intercultural adaptation, the diffusion of innovations and media ecology. In addition to his academic work, he has consulted for organizations including the U.S. Department of Defense and the Internal Revenue Service, and he has received multiple awards recognizing both his research and excellence in teaching.
Excellence in Scholarship | Melissa Crowton | Design
The CFAC Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes Melissa Crowton of the Department of Design. Crowton is a gifted illustrator and excellent colleague whose illustrations can be found in editorial publications, on the homepage of the Google search engine and in the pages of children’s books. Her work is known around the globe and she has won international awards in several subdisciplines. Her book “It’s Corn Picking Time!” was named an Illustrator Exhibition Winner at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Crowton is currently working on another picture book titled “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” and has four board books in the works.
Excellence in Mentoring | Peter Everett | Art
The CFAC Excellence in Mentoring Award recognizes Peter Everett of the Department of Art. Everett is a generous and committed teacher whose close and caring mentorship exemplifies BYU’s highest ideals. In more than 25 years of service, he has cultivated innovative and ambitious opportunities for student growth outside the classroom. He has worked tirelessly to develop the Department of Art’s visiting artist lecture series, bringing scores of prominent artists to BYU and giving students access to mentorship and learning with national- and world-renowned creatives. He has also created internship opportunities for students to work in artists’ studios in major cities like Berlin, New York, Los Angeles and Vienna. Everett’s influence as an artist, mentor, scholar and disciple has blessed many graduates, with students he advised now serving alongside him as full-time faculty at BYU.
Excellence in Citizenship | Amy Jensen | Theatre and Media Arts
The CFAC Excellence in Citizenship Award recognizes Amy Jensen from the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. Jensen has built a career of sustained service to students, educators and communities. After eight years teaching in Utah public schools, she continued that commitment through initiatives such as Hands on a Camera, connecting BYU students with local youth through media literacy, creativity and civic dialogue, as well as through resources and professional development for theatre and media educators. At BYU, Jensen has served as professor, program leader, department chair, mentor, committee member and associate dean in the CFAC. Currently, she is filling a significant role as co-chair of the university Human Connection Working Group and was recently appointed as the Provo internship coordinator for the BYU London Centre. Nationally, she has served as an editor, board member and leader in theatre education, media literacy and arts education, including as founding co-editor of the Journal of Media Literacy Education and in the development of the National Core Arts Standards.
COLLEGE STAFF AWARDS
These staff performance awards honor CFAC staff members whose exceptional work and dedication have made a meaningful impact on the college.
John Adams | Museum of Art
John Adams led the Gates of Paradise exhibit at the Museum of Art, a remarkable 12-year project that provided dozens of students with hands-on mentoring, specialized training and exceptional experiential learning opportunities as they helped replicate this historic masterpiece. His leadership and dedication were instrumental to the exhibit's success.
Melissa Gibbs | Communications
Melissa Gibbs has had a profound impact on student journalism through her exceptional mentoring and leadership. As lab manager for The Daily Universe, she works closely with student editors and broadcasters, providing dedicated one-on-one guidance and unwavering support that helps students succeed.
Lyndsay Keith | Dean’s Office
As producer and presenter of the BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series, Lyndsay Keith represents BYU with professionalism, integrity and creativity. She played a key role in the historic Yo-Yo Ma event, enhancing the student experience through innovative seating and a celebratory reception for BYU 150 and CFAC 100. Her dedication extends well beyond regular hours as she mentors students and helps produce exceptional events.
Janet Dalton | Music
During a challenging leadership transition, Janet Dalton provided exceptional organization and steady support to the School of Music while successfully coordinating the NASM accreditation self-study document and outside reviewer visit. She goes above and beyond her regular responsibilities by managing VIP attendance at School of Music events, ensuring safe, seamless and welcoming experiences through close coordination with security and venue staff.
Congratulations to our wonderful faculty and staff members on this well-deserved recognition!