Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced two leadership changes in Academics earlier this semester: Dr. Jared Marcum as the interim director of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching and Dr. Eric Rackley as an associate director of the Center for Learning & teaching. Both appointments are effective at the start of the Fall 2023 Semester on August 30.
Jared Marcum
"Dr. Marcum's experience and expertise will be a valuable addition to the Center for Learning & Teaching team," said Walker. "I'm excited to see how he collaborates with our faculty in this role."
Marcum earned a bachelor's degree in Asian history from BYU-Idaho and a master's and doctoral degrees in instructional technology and learning sciences from Utah State University while working as a full-time seminary teacher in northern Utah. Since being hired at BYU–Hawaii in 2011, Dr. Marcum has served as the director of the university's online learning programs, the director of the Center for Learning & Teaching, and is a member of the Faculty of Religious Education. Marcum is a native of Idaho and Nevada. A month after serving a mission in Hong Kong, he met his eternal companion, Stephanie Porter, through the church's institute program. They have been married for 24 years and have four children.
Marcum will replace Karen Latham, who will return to teaching as part of the Faculty of Education & Social Work.
Eric Rackley
"Dr. Rackley is an avid scholar who will provide a tremendous service to our faculty through the Center for Learning & Teaching," said Walker.
Rackley is an associate professor in the Teacher Education Program, teaching secondary literacy, instructional practice, and classroom management courses. A former high school English teacher and literacy consultant, Rackley's research examines how young people engage the world through talk and texts for religious and academic purposes. He publishes widely in research and practitioner journals in literacy, education, and religious education. Rackley completed a doctorate in literacy, language, and culture at the University of Michigan, where he taught for two years before coming to BYU–Hawaii in 2012.