Church History and Doctrine

Message from the Chair

As an integral part of Brigham Young University, the Department of Church History and Doctrine seeks to assist individuals in their quest for both intellectual and spiritual growth. We endeavor to foster lifelong attitudes of character improvement and service to church and community. We focus our efforts in two general areas.  First, we seek to teach with verve and spirit, and thereby assist students in learning and internalizing important historical and doctrinal truths of the restored gospel. Second, we desire to become skilled researchers and writers, to publish materials which help others understand our history, our faith, and our people.

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Brent L. Top Title: Department Chair  Department: Church History and Doctrine Office: 375B JSB Phone: (801) 422-3691 Email: Send Message

Brent L. Top is a Professor of Church History and Doctrine and is currently serving as the chair of that department. He was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho and served a full-time mission to the Denmark Copenhagen Mission. He received all of his degrees from Brigham Young University-a BA in history, a Masters degree in instructional media and a PhD in instructional science and technology. Prior to joining the BYU Religious Education faculty in 1987, he worked for the Church Educational System as a released-time seminary teacher, an institute teacher and an administrator. Dr. Top served as Associate Dean of Religious Education from 1997-2002. He held the endowed Professorship in Moral Education for two years prior to his call as President of the Illinois Peoria Mission (2004-2007). He was appointed department chair in June 2009. He is married to the former Wendy Cope from Idaho Falls. They are the parents of four children and reside in Pleasant Grove, Utah where Brother Top currently serves as the President of the Pleasant Grove East Stake.

Portfolio: Faculty Development and Personnel issues, hiring and recruitment of new faculty, meeting needs of students, curriculum mailers and scheduling courses.

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Steven C. Harper Title: Associate Department Chair Department: Church History and Doctrine Office: 303H JSB Phone: (801) 422-3663 Email: Send Message

Brother Harper earned his Ph.D. in early American history from Lehigh University. He taught religion and history at BYU-Hawaii before joining the faculty in Provo and becoming an editor of the Joseph Smith Papers in 2002.

Portfolio: Religious Education Administrative Council, Curriculum and Instruction Committee, Associate Department Chair, Church History & doctrine.

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Linda Godfrey Title:  Department Secretary Department:  Church History & Doctrine Office:  375 JSB Phone:  (801) 422-3691 Email:  Send Message

Linda Godfrey serves as the Department Secretary of Church History & Doctrine.  She is the executive assistant to the Chair and assists department faculty with travel, budgeting, and scheduling issues.  She also manages student hiring and maintains KRONOS, serves as the key rep for scheduling and classroom changes, and handles textbook requests.  She serves as the office manager and supervises department receptionists.

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Joseph Smith Building    Provo, Utah 84602    801.422.2735     Send Message