Brigham Young University–Hawaii is happy to welcome Dr. Brent Cowley as a new assistant professor in the Communication, Media, and Culture Program, starting in the Fall 2024 Semester. Previously teaching as a visiting assistant professor, Dr. Cowley's new role will allow him to contribute to the program in new ways and further the knowledge of BYU–Hawaii students in all types of media and cultures.
Dr. Cowley has been teaching media courses, including film, television, journalism, public relations, advertising, and documentary since 2009. Dr. Cowley's interdisciplinary research examines media regulation in global regions like the Asian Rim, Oceania, and Europe, with pioneering studies on movie sanitization for digital streaming services and other platforms. He explores how global industries modify content based on cultural, religious, and progressive movements. He holds a Ph.D. in communication and media studies from the University of Oregon, and his professional background includes work for the Walt Disney Company, CBS, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Raised in the Salt Lake Valley with a heritage from the early Latter-day Saint pioneers, Dr. Cowley later served a mission in Independence, Missouri. He met his wife, Jen, while traveling in Santiago, Chile, and they have three children. In his free time, he enjoys documentaries, film preservation, and game nights with family and friends.
When first arriving in Laie, Dr. Cowley and his family were immediately struck by the distinct spirit that permeates the BYU–Hawaii campus, the Laie Hawaii temple, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. "The ubiquitous presence of aloha left an indelible impression on us," Cowley shared. During his time as a visiting assistant professor over the past year, he witnessed and participated in the university's unique mission and vision, which David O. McKay envisioned over a century ago.
Dr. Cowley found great joy in teaching, mentoring, and edifying BYU–Hawaii's diverse student body. "The small class sizes have allowed me to get to know students on an individual and personal level, which also helps me tailor the course curriculum to the differing interests and needs of each class I teach," Dr. Cowley shared. His role as a faculty mentor for the Public Speaking Club was also particularly fulfilling, as he worked with students to advance their communication and leadership skills.
As he transitions to his new role, Dr. Cowley is most looking forward to continuing to be a part of the BYU–Hawaii ohana. “It will be wonderful to continue in advancing education, encouraging spiritual harmony, and fostering a strong community that contributes to the essence of what makes this ohana such a vital force in promoting intercultural peace and unity through following our Savior Jesus Christ,” he explained.
In conjunction with his new role, he has also been appointed as the internship coordinator in the Communication, Media, and Culture Program, a role he eagerly anticipates. Witnessing students advance in their education and grow both temporally and spiritually is a source of great excitement for him, as he is enthusiastic about working with them “to apply concepts they learn in class in real-world settings.”
With research delving into global media industries, Dr. Cowley’s work often encompasses media manipulation, such as film censorship, book bans, and music revisionism. He is particularly interested in societal reception and engagement with media manipulation, including misinformation and disinformation. “I couldn’t have predicted when I started researching these areas how the societal changes in the world would make them relevant and exciting but at the same time often quite problematic when used for propaganda or other power plays,” he said.
With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Cowley's teaching philosophy centers on five characteristics: enthusiasm, adaptability, application, technology, and communication. He finds it hard to hide his excitement when sharing knowledge with others. By showing his passion for course materials, he aims to make each class memorable and help students connect with the content. He wants their learning to be an experience beyond reading a textbook.
At the beginning of each course, Dr. Cowley asks students to complete a survey about specific topics of interest that might not be on the syllabus. He adapts his courses to the unique needs of each class, ensuring that everyone can benefit. He also recognizes the diverse academic pursuits of his students and encourages them to adapt themes from his classes to their own areas of study. This approach ensures that coursework is relevant and applicable to their future careers.
His enthusiasm for technology extends into the classroom, where he consistently looks for innovative ways to use it. He incorporates various forms of social media and online platforms, creating interactive activities where students can share examples using technology.
Dr. Brent Cowley's journey to BYU–Hawaii aims to strengthen the academic and spiritual drive in all his students, both in and outside the classroom. One of his favorite quotes is by Y.B. Yeats: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Dr. Cowley's dedication to education, combined with his profound love for media and communication, promises to light a fire of curiosity and growth in the hearts and minds of BYU–Hawaii students for years to come.