Inspires curiosity and a love for knowledge.
Brian Whaley serves as Chair of the Department of English and Literature and an associate professor of English at Utah Valley University. His primary academic specialty is twentieth- and twenty-first-century British and Irish literature. Whaley holds a PhD from the University of Oregon, an MA from the University of Montana, and a BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has furthered his international training through studies in Salamanca, Spain, and Canterbury, England. Whaley has directed the UVU study abroad program in London on several occasions, promoting cross-cultural literary engagement for students. His teaching includes ENGL 1010 Introduction to Academic Writing, ENGL 2870 Literary History II, ENGL 4860R Topics in Literature, as well as courses in modern and contemporary literature, world literature, special topics, and honors classes examining intersections between science and the arts.
A former director of university writing programs, Whaley was awarded the UVU Honors Professor of the Year in 2018 for his exceptional teaching. As department chair within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, he leads faculty and supports departmental initiatives. Whaley contributes to student development as an advisor for undergraduate journals including Essais and Touchstones, and serves on the editorial staff for professional publications such as FORUM. His leadership roles extend to global engagement efforts and academic committees at Utah Valley University, demonstrating sustained commitment to advancing English studies and literary scholarship.
