I have had the privilege to work with Brian Hill throughout the years as a student, three-quarter time, and full-time employee. During Brian’s 32 years of service at BYU, he has strengthened and enriched many lives, both intellectually and spiritually, simply by always making time for those he meets. Over the years, I have noticed that Brian really stands out as someone who is a team player and respectful of all he comes in contact with.
Brian always seeks to help others increase in knowledge and ability. Every time I talk to him, Brian has something to share with me that makes me a better person. From job training tips, principles of optimization, and general life advice, I have learned much by being around him and watching his example. It is easy to come away from an interaction with Brian feeling like you know a little more. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone who knew him would agree.
The culture in BYU Grounds is amazing. However, it was not always this way. People used to be very myopic with their responsibilities and stuck to themselves. Brian helped change this. He would make small changes to how the supervisors would tackle projects. Frequently, he encouraged supervisors to extend a helping hand to one another. He organized times to help short-staffed areas, like when the Provo Temple needed help with planting flowers. Brian’s focus on the marginal gains of teamwork has helped BYU Grounds to work better as a team. The culture of friendship at BYU Grounds is in large part due to Brian’s efforts to lead.
When COVID-19 closed many businesses, I lost my job and was looking for new work. I applied for a part-time position with BYU Grounds as a temporary job while I searched for something to benefit my family. Even though I was part-time, Brian would reach out to me. He taught me and showed that he appreciated my work. I felt like I belonged at BYU and BYU Grounds. Brian’s involvement in my part-time job influenced me to apply for my current full-time position with BYU. I strive to help employees feel like they belong because of Brian’s example.
I have also been profoundly impacted by Brian on a spiritual level. Sharing the gospel is also something Brian does on a regular basis. For example, when my daughter was getting ready for a surgery, I was nervous and unsure about how everything would pan out. Brian could sense how I was feeling, and he shared some personal experiences and insights. He was able to convey God’s love for my child and me in a way that was very dear to me and strengthened my testimony. I know Brian cares deeply for those he works with.
I am nominating Brian because of his influence both on BYU and on me personally. He truly exemplifies teamwork and helping others feel like they belong.