For the past 15 years, Veldon Law has worked at BYU Continuing Education (CE), beginning as the Associate Director of Independent Study and now completing his career serving as Director of Research, Evaluation, and Data Analytics. During that time, he has witnessed and contributed to many of the significant changes that have shaped BYU CE into what it is today. To fully appreciate his contributions, however, it is important to look back on Law’s career and the experiences that have influenced both him and the organization.
Law’s career began at Snow College in Ephraim, where he worked for a couple of years before accepting a more stable position at New Mexico Junior College. After five years in New Mexico, he moved to Santa Barbara City College before relocating to the Las Vegas area to work at Clark County Community College, where he continued his education and completed his doctoral degree. He later accepted a position as Chief Academic Officer at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois, before becoming its interim president and then taking the role of President at Barton County Community College in Kansas.
After almost 30 years in higher education and while on the brink of retirement, Law still had his sights set on BYU. “Frankly, I had always wanted to work here,” Law explained. “I had hoped that I'd be able to, in some meaningful way, contribute.” So when a position opened for the Associate Director of Independent Studies, he knew he needed to apply.
When Law joined CE in 2011, he oversaw areas such as instructional design, testing, media services, and what would become the Student Success Center. He later transitioned into a different kind of leadership role when then–BYU CE Dean Lee J. Glines invited him to accept the position he currently holds. One of the most defining moments of his career at CE, and a project that he considers one of his most important accomplishments, was initiating what would become BYU Online. He was involved with creating two online colleges before coming to BYU, so it felt like a no-brainer to try a similar initiative here. His instincts were spot-on—the program has been a great success.
When asked what has kept him here for so long, Law said, “You kind of ask yourself the question, ‘How do you walk away from a role you have viewed as something almost akin to a calling?’” Reflecting upon what has set BYU CE apart from anywhere else he’s worked, Law noted BYU’s integration of the secular and the spiritual: “You have a chance to more readily and abundantly have the spirit be part of what you’re doing, which on a personal level and for me makes a difference in the culture of the organization. It’s really a blessing not to be taken lightly or taken for granted, and I hope my colleagues here never do.”
He looks back on his time at BYU CE with a profound sense of appreciation. “It’s hard to put into words, especially as you get to the close of things, the deep feeling that comes from interacting with the individuals we serve,” he said. “But all that made it worthwhile coming to work and making what I’ve done much more than a job.” Law expressed his love for his colleagues, ranging from leadership to student employees, and said that if it weren’t for them, he wouldn’t have extended his career for this long. “I deeply appreciate all those that I’ve had the chance to work with and observe; they have changed me in profound ways. I’ve such admiration for those that quietly and behind-the-scenes make CE go. Watching what they do and how they do their jobs has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my time in CE.”
Over the years, many people have been an important part of his experience here. The list is long and includes Joseph Roberson, Scott Gutke, Chad Turley, Jessica Draper, Greg Baird, George Monsivais, David Lund, Nicole Stevens, Kirk Parry, Skylar Wilcox, Suzie Gerhart, Todd Myers, Sarah Metcalf, Matt Greene, and Christina Vance. His “admiration list” went on and on.
Law’s advice for people just starting their careers reflects his experience: “Be patient. Good things are going to come, and don’t let frustrations get you down. No doesn’t mean no forever. Timing at BYU and with the Lord is everything.” Throughout his career, Law has remained committed to helping students succeed and advancing educational opportunities for learners everywhere, all while supporting his colleagues, whom he referred to as “quiet heroes.” His lengthy list of admired colleagues is a testament to the many quiet heroes found throughout Continuing Education.