BYU-Idaho Devotionals: Recent Episodes
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Jenet Jacob Erickson is an associate professor in Religious Education at Brigham Young University, where she teaches the Eternal Family course as well as the Introduction to Family Process course for the School of Family Life. She received a PhD in family social science from the University of Minnesota, after completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and master’s degree in linguistics -TESOL at BYU. She is a research fellow of both the BYU Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies, and has been a columnist on family issues for the Deseret News since 2013. She met and married her husband, Michael, when they were both 34 years old. Their two children, LaDawn and Peter, provide them unending opportunities for learning and joy.
Jason Reeder is from Idaho Falls and served in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida mission, speaking in the Spanish language. He graduated from BYU-Idaho in communication with an emphasis in advertising. He also has a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from West Virginia University. Jason has held various marketing communication positions and has worked at BYU-Idaho for 14 years in Admissions, Alumni, Student Life Communications, University Relations and now as a faculty member in the Communication department. Jason and his wife, Tevya, will hit 20 years of marriage in April, and they have four children. His hobbies include trail running and racing in ultra-marathons, skateboarding, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family. Jason’s most recent callings include being a counselor in two bishoprics, high councilor, bishop, counselor in a stake Young Men’s presidency, and he currently serves as second counselor in a stake presidency.
Sister Kristin M. Yee was born in Sacramento, California, to Ryan R. Yee and Jaydean Fox McKay. Sister Yee received a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University. Sister Yee currently works as a Publishing Services special projects manager for the Church. Prior to working at the Church, she worked with Disney Interactive Studios for 13 years. Her Church assignments have included the Primary General Advisory Council, stake Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, temple ordinance worker, and in various callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Sunday School organizations. Sister Yee loves hiking, being in the outdoors, traveling, painting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Joshua Figueira was born to Kevin and Sherry Figueira. His family hails from Kailua, Oahu in Hawaii, but he was raised primarily in Bountiful, Utah. Josh served in the South Korea Seoul West Mission. He holds a B.A in English language from Brigham Young University, a Master of Religion in Contemporary Society from King’s College London, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. Josh worked as BYU-Idaho legal counsel for seven years. Prior to that, he practiced First Amendment law with an emphasis on religious organizations. Josh is married to his wife Elsie Smith Figueira, and is father to three active, precocious children. He is currently serving as stake Young Men’s secretary. His hobbies include reading, writing, soccer, ukulele, and restoring and playing drums.
Marc Stewart is from Sugar City, Idaho. He served a mission in the Columbia South Carolina Mission. Brother Stewart received a bachelor’s degree from BYU-Idaho in business finance and an MBA from Western Governor’s University. He worked at the Idaho National Laboratory for six years as a Planning and Financial Controls Specialist, four years at BYU-Idaho in a few financial roles, six years at BYU-Idaho Pathway Worldwide as the Budget Officer, and then at BYU-Idaho as the Budget Officer. Brother Stewart has been married to his wife, Taunia, for 23 years. They have four children, two boys and two girls. He has served as Sunday School president, Young Men’s president, elders quorum president, ward clerk, counselor in the bishopric, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor. He currently serves as a priest quorum advisor.
Ryan Buttars shares personal stories about how no one is forgotten by Jesus Christ. Given at a BYU-Idaho devotional on December 3, 2024.
Richard Whiting grew up in Southern California as the second of five children. A year after starting his education at BYU, he was called to serve in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. After serving a mission, Brother Whiting returned to BYU, where he taught at the MTC and studied psychology. Before completing his bachelor's degree, he married his wife, Beverly. They have been married for 39 years and have three children and eight grandchildren. After completing his bachelor's degree in psychology and Master of Social Work, Brother Whiting began 15 years of licensed social work practice before coming to BYU Idaho to teach sociology and social work in 2004. He then finished his doctoral work at the University of Utah’s Graduate School of Social Work. Brother Whiting spent 14 years working with outdoor-based treatment programs he now integrates into his teaching. He continues to spend as much time as possible in the outdoors with his family.
Janalee Meeker has a deep love and admiration for the students at BYU-Idaho. In her current role as an administrator in the Student Honor Office, she cherishes the one-on-one experiences she has with students as they strive to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Having grown up in a large family, with an extraordinary mother, and as a triplet, she began observing healthy family relationships early in life. That prompted her to pursue a master’s degree in child and family studies and a career working with young adults.She married her sweetheart, Nathan Meeker, in the St. George Utah temple in 1996, and they are the parents of five wonderful children. Her family is her most valuable asset and greatest joy.