Paige Holland Shares the Importance of Using the Gift of Voice at the Fall 2025 Beckham Lecture
Each fall semester, Brigham Young University’s School of Communications hosts the Beckham Lecture, an event that was established by Raymond E. Beckham, a leader in education and communications at BYU for 42 years. The lecture, which Dr. Beckham created in 1995 in honor of his late wife Ida Lee Beckham, was presented this year by BYU journalism alumna Paige Holland.
Paige Holland was an outstanding student while studying at BYU. After graduating with her degree in communications, Holland began her career as a weekend reporter for FOX News and managed the KBYU newsroom during the week. She also worked alongside her husband, Matthew S. Holland, as he served as president of Utah Valley University. During this time at UVU, Holland created a childcare center so student mothers could better pursue their education.
“I have long had a passion for the blessings that a college education can bring women,” said Holland. “My mother and both of my grandmothers instilled in me the importance of earning a college degree. And then I came to see for myself what a difference my degree made in my life.”
Above all, she is passionate about the importance of using our educated voices, which was the topic of this year’s Beckham lecture. “Developing a voice and sharing it effectively is central to what a communications degree is all about,” said Holland. “A strong, clear and effective voice is one of the greatest blessings that we can enjoy in this life. Your voice of light and truth can be strengthened by a first-rate university education. Whatever you choose to do, you will do it better with an education.”
To highlight the impact of our voices, Holland shared a story about her two daughters undergoing jaw surgery and recovery. “One of the greatest challenges that I hadn't anticipated was that for six whole weeks, I could not hear their voices,” said Holland. “My daughters, who are normally so animated and outgoing, were quiet for six whole weeks. It changed the whole feeling in our home.”
Holland said this challenge brought her a new perspective. “This whole experience painted a vivid picture for me of just how precious our voices really are. They are far more than just the audible sounds we make,” said Holland. “They are gifts given to us by God to do so many vital and rewarding things. We use our voices to express our most critical needs, to bless and uplift others, to give and receive instruction, to act in coordination, to clear up misunderstandings, to share the latest news, to testify of true and sacred things — this list could go on.”
She concluded her speech with a powerful call to action: “I pray you will share your voice of truth and light in a world that desperately needs it. As you use your voice to bless, help, heal and light the way for others, you will be fulfilling the divine purpose for which God gave you the gift of voice.”
