On April 10, 2026, a special luncheon was held by BYU Continuing Education (CE) with all of its former living deans, including Stanley A. Peterson, William R. Siddoway, Richard C. Eddy, Wayne J. Lott, Lee J. Glines, and current Dean Richard M. Houseman.
History of BYU Continuing Education Deans
Stanley A. Peterson (1971–1977) became Dean of BYU CE in 1971, and during his six years in that role, he oversaw major growth, more than doubling enrollment and expanding international programs like study abroad, travel study, and service initiatives in Latin America. He later took on broader leadership within the Church Educational System, eventually being appointed associate commissioner in 1977 to help guide its rapidly expanding global education efforts.
William R. Siddoway (1977–1985) became Dean of BYU CE in September 1977, and during his nearly eight years as Dean, he focused on strengthening program quality, expanding international efforts, launching the Harman Lecture Series, and overseeing the move into the Harman Continuing Education Building. His tenure marked steady growth and consolidation before he was reassigned in 1985 to the School of Management as Director of External Relations.
Richard C. Eddy (1985–2008) became Dean of BYU CE in July 1985, and during his administration, he focused on navigating university policy changes while strengthening personnel, organization, and financial accountability, all while enrollment grew significantly despite shifting admissions policies. He remained in the role until 2008, capping a 35-year career in BYU CE marked by steady expansion and institutional refinement.
Wayne J. Lott (2008–2014) became Dean of BYU CE in 2008 after a long career that began in 1974 with Independent Study programs. He served until 2014, capping 40 years with BYU CE and guiding it through a period focused on continuity and leadership transition. At the end of his tenure, he emphasized unity of purpose, encouraging collaboration, humility, and respect as central to BYU CE’s success.
Lee J. Glines (2014–2023) became Dean of BYU CE in 2014 after working in other roles at the Salt Lake Center and Independent Study, eventually serving as Associate Dean. His career with BYU CE spans decades, shaped by both administrative leadership and personal experience as a student in its programs. As Dean, he emphasized gratitude and alignment with the university’s mission while stepping into the role with both humility and a clear sense of responsibility.
Richard M. Houseman (2023–present) became Dean of BYU CE in August 2023, bringing with him a mix of academic, administrative, and global Church leadership experience, including work with BYU CE and oversight of worldwide infield services for mission presidents. His appointment reflects a focus on strengthening BYU CE’s connection to BYU’s broader mission while continuing its global reach in education.
The Luncheon Itself
The luncheon was an opportunity for those who have shaped BYU CE’s direction to get together and reflect upon their time here and share stories with one another. Many of these stories captured the sense of camaraderie that was felt in the room while memories were looked back upon and evolutions were discussed. All of the deans’ collective tenure stretches across over half a century of time, which has consistently featured innovation and expansion. These discussions also featured instances where individuals were able to talk about the university presidents they worked alongside, including the late Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who passed away in December of last year, and the current President of the Church, Dallin H. Oaks.
Current BYU Continuing Education Dean Richard M. Houseman spoke at the luncheon about the program’s growth. Drawing on his background as an entomologist, he compared BYU CE’s development to metamorphosis, the biological process in which an insect passes through various stages before becoming an adult. Houseman also discussed how BYU CE-developed programs have gone on to inspire Church-wide initiatives, such as BYU Expeditions (formerly Especially for Youth, or EFY), which served as the framework for the Church’s For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences.
At the end of the luncheon, there was a renewed sense of appreciation among the attendees for BYU CE and its history. It served as a good reminder of BYU CE’s legacy and many of the influential people who’ve made that possible. The gathering of previous deans was more than just a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of BYU CE’s mission and values.
William Siddoway passed away on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026.