BYU Names New Dean of Religious Education
BYU academic vice president Brent W. Webb has announced the appointment of Brent L. Top, former chairman of the Department of Church History and Doctrine, as dean of Religious Education.
The new dean brings a combination of experiences that prepare him well for this new responsibility.
“The search committee had a difficult task because there were several other very qualified candidates,” said Brother Webb.
Brother Top, president of the Pleasant Grove Utah East Stake, is a professor of Church history and doctrine. He received all of his degrees from Brigham Young University—a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s degree in instructional media, and a doctorate 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.
He served as associate dean of Religious Education from 1997 to 2002. He held the Endowed Professorship in Moral Education for two years prior to his call as president of the Illinois Peoria Mission (2004–7). He was appointed department chairman in June 2009.
