Two professors at Weber State University have been named this year’s Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors, the university announced on Apr. 8. The award, now in its 21st year, recognizes faculty who excel in teaching, research, and service to the community.
The Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor award is funded by a gift from Rodney and Carolyn Brady. Rodney Brady served as president of Weber State University from 1978 to 1985. The honor is given annually to professors who demonstrate high-quality teaching, scholarship, research, and community service.
Brandon Koford from the Department of Economics was recognized for his commitment to student mentorship and leadership within his department. Koford has helped students publish research findings in professional journals and secure scholarships for graduate study. He shares his own research with students in classes such as econometrics and emphasizes applying economic principles to real-world questions. During his time as department chair between 2016 and 2022, Koford promoted collaboration among faculty members. His dedication has earned him several awards including the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award.
Marek Matyjasik, professor and chair of earth and environmental sciences, was also honored for more than two decades of teaching that connects scientific theory with practical experience. Matyjasik has led students on field camps across Utah as well as trips abroad to places like Iceland and Hawaii. In 1998 he secured funding for an undergraduate groundwater well field at Weber State—the first such facility at a university west of the Mississippi River—which provides hands-on hydrogeology training for thousands of students. He has authored or co-authored over twenty peer-reviewed manuscripts with many involving student collaborators.
Weber State University advances community transformation through civic engagement and public service according to the official website. The university utilizes a campus located on the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains according to its official website.
The institution focuses on educating diverse students with supportive learning environments designed to transform lives through civic engagement according to its official website. As Utah’s first comprehensive regional university according to its official website, it operates under authorization from Utah Code granting degree-conferring authority as stated by its official site.
Weber State offers educational opportunities including teaching, research initiatives, experiential learning programs, and civic engagement activities according to its official website. The university supports individualized pathways for student growth while promoting values such as creativity and belonging within a diverse academic community as described by its official site.