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As the president of Rocky Mountain Mergers & Acquisitions, ������Ƶ faculty member Brent Smith brings extensive industry experience to his classes on business, leadership and marketing. His career includes such roles as vice president of business development and vice president of mergers and acquisitions for construction supply companies, which means he knows the pressure that comes with success. But it’s his insights on discussion, student support and human connection that make his classes in the College of Business and IT so resonant. In this Q&A, he shares his perspective on work and teaching.��

A: Rising to the level of vice president of a privately held group of construction companies with 2,500 employees while not being a member of the family that owns the companies. My success was based on merit alone.��

A: A student of mine in a competency-based course was going through a situation involving suicide. Because of my personal experience in my own family, we were able to connect on FaceTime multiple times to share thoughts and feelings. It was a great experience for both of us and helped her to stay enrolled when she had considered dropping.��

A: It is achievable for anyone who wants it. Every instructor is committed to the success of our students. Leonardo da Vinci said that God gives us all good things at the price of work.  It is true: If you want an education, it is achievable.��

I love online learning because we have the world at our fingertips. We can discuss controversial issues respectfully and share different opinions, views and backgrounds. Learning to disagree without being disagreeable.

To make school work for them, students should find a time and place where they can dedicate at least an hour every day to their schoolwork. Also, they should ask for the support of those around them, but not neglect the key relationships of family.��

A: Be very sad because I feel fulfilled by being able to help students achieve their educational goals and improve their lives. I admire the courage, determination and overwhelming commitment I see from most students to earn their degrees and improve their lives. Teaching gives me joy. I have been given much, and I wish to share.��

Brent Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University. His career in business development and mergers has spanned a range of roles and companies within the construction supply industry. He has served as vice president and general manager at a brick manufacturing company, vice president of business development at Clyde Companies in Orem, Utah, and vice president of mergers and acquisitions at Clyde Companies. He is the president and owner of Rocky Mountain Mergers & Acquisitions, which is a specialty consulting firm. He has taught at ������Ƶ for 30 years.

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