Latter-day Profiles

Bruce Kusch is the respected President of Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College), a role he began in 2017 after serving as the Chief Academic Officer. An accomplished academic leader, he has focused on enhancing the college's learning and teaching frameworks, resulting in increased student success and strong employer relationships. Prior to his current role, President Kusch held various administrative and faculty positions at BYU-Idaho and was an executive in Silicon Valley for companies including IBM and Logitech. He received a PhD in Instructional Design from Idaho State University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a BS from the University of Phoenix.He also has significant Church service, having presided over the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife from 2012 to 2015.

Hank Smith is a beloved instructor at BYU, a renowned speaker, and co-host of the popular Follow Him podcast, known for his ability to connect deeply with youth and young adults through engaging scripture teaching.

A master teacher, Hank holds degrees from Dixie State University, Utah State University (MBA), and Brigham Young University (PhD), and previously spent fourteen years as a Seminary and Institute instructor.

In addition to his extensive speaking engagements at events such as BYU Education Week and Especially for Youth, he is an author with Covenant Communications and consults on creating high-trust organizational cultures.

He and his wife, Sara, are the parents of five children and reside in Mapleton, Utah.

Tom and Ali Durham are a dynamic creative duo blending storytelling, science fiction, family life, and faith. Tom is an Emmy-winning writer and director known for his cult-favorite sci-fi feature 95ers and his boundary-pushing work in TV, animation, and film. With a love for all things geek—from D&D to Star Trek—Tom brings humor and heart to every project he tackles through his production company, Martian Studios. He’s also an advocate for young storytellers, sharing his industry knowledge and love for the Oxford comma with the next generation of creators.Ali Durham, an actress, voiceover artist, chef, and mother of four, brings her own creative spark to the team. With a degree in Theater and Media Arts from BYU, Ali has worn many hats in the entertainment world—from performing and producing to writing and art direction. In their Latter-day Profile interview, Tom and Ali share how their shared love of faith, family, and film fuels their work. Together, they offer a refreshing perspective on balancing creativity with conviction—and finding joy in telling stories that uplift and inspire.

Shawn Stevens rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in hit television shows like Eight Is Enough, Days of Our Lives, and The Facts of Life. But behind the Hollywood lights was a deeper story—one of faith, sacrifice, and transformation. After discovering The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while filming in Utah, Shawn was baptized at age 19, a decision that cost him family support and slowed his acting career. Still, he held to his beliefs, turning down roles that didn’t align with his values and eventually finding new purpose off-screen.In his Latter-day Profile interview, Shawn reflects on his remarkable journey—from early stardom to a life grounded in discipleship. He shares how faith guided his choices through career highs and lows, and how stepping away from the spotlight helped him build a strong family foundation. After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, he returned to acting in the inspiring film The Cokeville Miracle. Shawn’s story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to follow Christ in any industry—and the peace that comes when you do.

John Fossum is a devoted religious educator and author who has spent his life helping others build a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. Growing up in Georgia, John experienced for himself the challenges of life and the peace that comes from anchoring one’s faith in the Savior. After serving a mission in the Philippines, he studied English in college—where he met his wife Sarah in a poetry class. Together, they’ve raised five children and now enjoy life as grandparents.In his Latter-day Profile interview, John shares the inspiration behind his book Spiritual Foundations, a guide to developing deep, lasting faith in a world full of uncertainty. With warmth, humility, and personal insight, John testifies of God’s grace and the joy of living a Christ-centered life. His message is one of hope, reminding viewers that with the Lord as our foundation, all things will eventually work out for our good

Dr. B.J. Allen is a standout voice in both the business and spiritual spheres. As a Marketing Professor at BYU’s Marriott School of Business, he teaches professional selling and leads the BYU Sales Society. His widely used sales textbooks and training simulations are shaping the next generation of sales professionals at over 100 universities worldwide. Through his engaging workshops and consulting work, he helps organizations embrace cutting-edge strategies and leave energized to improve their sales approach.In his Latter-day Profile interview, B.J. opens up about his personal faith journey and the message behind his book The Compensating Power of Christ. Drawing on personal experience and gospel insight, he explores how the Savior’s Atonement can bring healing, justice, and hope in the face of life’s unfairness. Whether in the classroom or on the page, B.J. shares how Christ empowers us to overcome life’s challenges—one principle at a time.

Emily Peterson is the CEO and co-founder of Saranoni Luxury Blankets, a company born out of love and necessity. When her daughter needed surgery for a congenital ear condition, Emily and her husband Nathan began making gift baskets to raise funds. What started as a small family project quickly grew into a thriving business—thanks to the overwhelming popularity of their baby blankets. As parents raising three young children, the couple poured their hearts into creating products that bring comfort and connection.

In her Latter-day Profile interview, Emily shares how Saranoni became more than a business—it became a mission. After Nathan’s passing from brain cancer in 2022, Emily found strength in honoring his legacy of compassion and service. Through their global initiative, Saranoni Cares, the company has brought warmth to families in need around the world. Emily’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of creating comfort through both product and service.

Kim B. Clark has led a distinguished life of service in both education and the gospel. A Harvard-educated economist and former dean of Harvard Business School, he brought his leadership and vision to Brigham Young University–Idaho, where he served as president for a decade. Later called as a General Authority Seventy, he also served as Church Commissioner of Education, helping guide learning across the Church’s educational institutions. Professor Clark is currently the NAC Distinguished Professor of Management at the BYU Marriott School of Business His profound commitment to faith and learning has shaped the lives of thousands around the world.

In his Latter-day Profile interview,  Clark reflects on the Lord’s hand in his life—from his academic career to his spiritual callings. With humility and insight, he shares how true discipleship, education, and leadership can align when grounded in faith. His story is one of lifelong dedication to both the Church and the growth of individuals, families, and institutions through Christ-centered learning.

Charlene Farr’s life is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and transformation. Raised in a large family on a Texas farm and later married to an Air Force serviceman, Charlene’s journey took her around the world. But after facing personal heartache and betrayal, she found herself at a spiritual crossroads—until two missionaries arrived with a message of hope that changed everything. Their compassion and teachings helped her find a renewed sense of purpose, leading her to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1991 and embark on a life of devoted service, particularly with children and in the Relief Society.

Now 87, Charlene continues to inspire as a storyteller, teacher, and family historian. From teaching heritage classes and preserving family gravesites to co-writing a family cookbook and nearly finishing a children’s book about her own childhood, Charlene is passionate about connecting generations through faith and memory. Her Latter-day Profile interview shines a light on the strength that comes from turning trials into testimony—and honoring the past while building a legacy of faith for the future.

Dr. Jenet Jacob Erickson brings a powerful voice to the conversation on faith, family, and the vital role of motherhood. As an Associate Professor of Religious Education at BYU, she has spent years researching maternal and child well-being, with her work gaining national attention in outlets such as The New York Times and The Today Show. With over 20 published articles and book chapters, and experience advising policymakers, Dr. Erickson is a leading expert on how family dynamics shape individuals and society.

In her Latter-day Profile interview, Dr. Erickson reflects on both the science and the spiritual depth behind strong families. A dedicated wife and mother of two, she shares how faith and research intersect in her life, and why she believes nurturing the next generation is one of the most meaningful callings. Her story offers both wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking to understand the divine design of the family.