Distinguished Professor awards go to two professors committed to student success
OGDEN, Utah — Two Weber State University professors known for their excellent teaching, contributions to others, and research have been selected as this year’s Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors.
This 21-year tradition is named after the late Rodney Brady, who served as the university’s president from 1978 to 1985. Rodney and his wife, Carolyn Brady, provided a generous gift to fund this annual honor, which recognizes WSU professors who demonstrate the highest quality teaching, scholarship, research, and community service.
Brandon Koford, economics professor
Brandon Koford’s students and colleagues in the Department of Economics know him for his integrity, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership. 
He’s deeply committed to mentorship, making sure students feel both challenged and supported. This is best seen through the success of his students, who regularly publish research findings in professional publications. From helping students secure scholarships and internships while attending WSU to guiding them toward full-ride scholarships at prestigious graduate programs, Koford has a reputation for going the extra mile.
Koford also shares his own research with students in his classes, including a course he teaches on econometrics, which uses math and statistics to analyze economic data. He often demonstrates how economic reasoning and principles can be applied to meaningful, real-world questions.
During his tenure as economics department chair from 2016 to 2022, Koford transformed the department’s culture into one of deep collaboration and support. Those who work alongside him say he exemplifies what it means to be a “complete faculty member,” meaning he seamlessly combines research, scholarly work, and service.
Koford’s dedication to teaching has earned him the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award, multiple Buehler Teaching fellowships, the Richard Alston Excellence in Teaching Award, and repeated nominations for the former Crystal Crest Rodney H. Brady Master Teacher Award.
Marek Matyjasik, earth and environmental sciences professor and department chair
With more than 20 years of university-level teaching, Marek Matyjasik has distinguished himself as a professor who bridges scientific theory with real-world application.
His dedication to immersive learning has taken students far beyond the classroom, from summer field camps throughout the state to expeditions exploring the volcanic landscapes of Iceland and Hawaii. He secured funding in 1998 for Weber State’s undergraduate groundwater well field, the first at a university west of the Mississippi River, providing hands-on training to thousands of students in hydrogeology.
Matyjasik has authored and co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts and
delivered over 60 professional presentations, most of which were completed with
WSU students as co-authors or co-presenters.
He ensures his students have experience with industry-standard tools and work, so they’re ready to start their careers. Students he taught are now employed at organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Utah Geological Survey, and Kennecott Copper. He has a 100% job placement rate for students completing both his Groundwater and Environmental Assessment and Engineering Geology courses.
Matyjasik is a rare two-time recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship, and has a successful record of externally funded research grants and awards totaling almost $450,000 — which have directly enhanced education access, curriculum, and undergraduate research.
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Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
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