The David O. McKay Education Building: A Legacy of Learning and Innovation

The David O. McKay Education Building holds a prominent place in the history of education at both Weber State University (WSU) and Brigham Young University (BYU). Named after David O. McKay, a prominent figure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an advocate for education, these buildings serve as centers for teacher training, child development, and educational research. This article explores the history, features, and significance of the McKay Education Buildings at both institutions.

Weber State University's Renovated David O. McKay Education Building

Weber State University recently celebrated the renovation of its David O. McKay Education Building. The updated facility houses the Jerry & Vickie Moyes School of Education, encompassing the departments of Teacher Education and Child and Family Studies. It also houses the Melba S. Lehner Children’s School and Charter Academy, which functions as a teaching school for young children and a training lab for college students.

Sustainable Design and Features

The renovated building boasts several notable features, including biophilic design elements that integrate nature into the environment to create a calming and creative atmosphere. This architectural approach aims to enhance the well-being of students, faculty, and staff by connecting them with the natural world.

Furthermore, the McKay Education Building is an entirely electric building powered by the campus geothermal water loop, directly supporting Weber State’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. This commitment to sustainability underscores the university's dedication to environmental responsibility.

The building also includes a maker space called the Fabrication Lab, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and innovation. To ensure the safety of children and families, the building design incorporates designated secure access points for the Melba S. Lehner Children’s School.

Read also: McKay Scholarship Application

Brigham Young University's David O. McKay School of Education

The David O. McKay School of Education (SOE) at Brigham Young University (BYU) is dedicated to excellence in teaching, administration, communication disorders, and educational inquiry. The SOE is located in three buildings on BYU's campus in Provo, Utah: the David O. McKay Building, the John Taylor Building, and the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse.

Historical Overview

The School of Education has a rich history, beginning in 1913 as the Church Teachers College. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, becoming the School of Education in 1920 and the College of Education in 1921, before receiving its current name in 1998. The school was named in honor of David O. McKay, reflecting his commitment to education.

In 1954, undergraduate majors outside of elementary education and early childhood education were integrated into the colleges of their specific disciplines, streamlining the academic structure.

Programs and Partnerships

The SOE is home to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP), one of the largest in the nation. The EPP coordinates teacher education courses and training for all education degrees at BYU, offering 26 undergraduate degrees, 21 minors, and 4 graduate degrees.

BYU's School of Education has a significant partnership with public schools, involving over 7,000 teachers and approximately 180,000 students. This collaboration enhances the practical training and experience of BYU's education students.

Notable Alumni

The David O. McKay School of Education has produced numerous accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. These include:

Charles Reigeluth: Instructional design researcher
Clayton Brough: Weatherman and middle school teacher
J. Elliot Cameron: President of Snow College and BYU-Hawaii
Richard Culatta: CEO of ISTE
John Dunn: President of Western Michigan University
Wilson W. Sorensen: President of what is now Utah Valley University

Additionally, several leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are alumni of the school, including:

Bonnie H. Cordon: Young Women general president (2018-2023)
Michelle D. Craig: Counselor in the Young Women general presidency (2018-2023)
J. Annette Dennis: Counselor in the Relief Society general presidency (since 2022)
Ardeth G. Kapp: Former Young Women General President
Bradley R. Wilcox: Counselor in the Young Men general presidency (since 2020)
Jay E. Jensen: General authority who served in the Presidency of the Seventy
Rex D. Pinegar: General authority who served in the Presidency of the Seventy
Julie B. Beck: Former Relief Society General President
Mary N. Cook: Former counselor in the Young Women general presidency
Russell T. Osguthorpe: Church leader

Campus Evolution: BYU's Architectural Journey

BYU's campus has undergone significant transformations over the years, reflecting the university's growth and evolving needs. The construction boom of the 1950s, 60's, and 70's resulted in several iconic buildings that continue to shape the campus landscape.

Key Buildings and Their History

Smith Fieldhouse: Originally constructed in 1951, the Smith Fieldhouse features a 5,000-seat arena, a running track, offices, and a student gym. Additions were made to the building in the early 1960s.
David O. McKay Building: Built in 1954, this building primarily houses the education department, serving as a hub for teacher training and educational research.
Centennial Carillon Tower: Constructed in 1975, the tower houses 52 bells that play "Come, Come Ye Saints" on the hour.
Talmage Building: Built in 1971, the Talmage Building is home to the math department.
Marriott Center: With over 22,000 seats, the Marriott Center is one of the largest on-campus arenas in the country.
Deseret Towers: This residential project, built in the 1960s and 70s, provided housing for many students before being demolished to make way for new dormitories.
Allen Hall: Established to accommodate the growing number of students from beyond Utah Valley, Allen Hall addressed student housing needs.
Ernest L. Wilkinson Student Center: This central hub serves as a gathering place for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Eyring Science Center: Completed in 1950, the Eyring Science Center houses a planetarium, observatory, and restaurant, and offers community outreach programs.
Faculty Office Building (FOB): The Faculty Office Building provides office space for faculty members.
BYU Graduate Studies Building: This Tudor-style cottage originally served as a home for BYU Presidents and their families.
Harold B. Lee Library: Completed in 1961, the Harold B. Lee Library houses an extensive collection of resources for students and researchers.
Joseph Smith Building: Named in honor of the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this building is now known as the Testing Center.
Helaman Halls: Built to provide affordable student housing, Helaman Halls has housed thousands of BYU students.
Heritage Halls: These apartments have become popular among students.
J. Reuben Clark Building: Home to BYU’s Law School, this building commemorates one of the university's most important patrons.
Karl G. Maeser Building: Completed in 1911, this building has served various purposes, including classrooms, a library, and administrative offices.
Knight Mangum Building: This building has hosted a New Deal program, women students, missionaries-in-training, and campus faculty.
May Hall: Named after Jean Elizabeth Fossum May, this building served as a residence hall for women.
Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum: This museum houses a collection of over two million life science specimens.
Museum of Art: Opened in 1993, the Museum of Art was financed entirely by private donations.
Thomas L. Martin Building (MARB): Once part of a two-building complex for BYU’s life sciences.

Underground Infrastructure

Beneath BYU's manicured lawns and diverse architecture lies a complex network of tunnels, rooms, and passageways.

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