Latter-day Profiles

Devin Durrant is the author of The Values Delta, an inspirational speaker, and a successful real estate entrepreneur. A former professional basketball player, Devin was a consensus All-American at Brigham Young University before playing for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, and he is consistently ranked among Utah's top college basketball players of the 20th century. Following his athletic career, he became a real estate investor. He developed his core philosophy, The Values Delta, which focuses on adding value to properties, careers, and personal life by prioritizing moral values. Devin has also been a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having presided over the Texas Dallas Mission and served as a counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Idaho and are the parents of six children.

Rod Gustafson is a seasoned media professional and currently serves as a Coordinating Producer at BYU Broadcasting, where he manages a diverse portfolio of over 20 national and international broadcast projects, including scripted series and feature films, spanning the entire production process. In addition to his leadership role, he is deeply involved in mentoring students of all faiths who are aspiring to work in media, helping them build strong spiritual and professional foundations. Rod has a rich background in media and journalism, having served as a contract television journalist for CTV News and as a Senior Radio Producer for a national series on SiriusXM. He also founded and was President of Parent Previews, a pioneering media literacy resource that offered family movie reviews and trained parents to help their children become critical thinkers regarding media consumption.

Lee Cummard is the newly appointed Head Coach of BYU Women's Basketball, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the university's mission. A former standout player for the BYU men's team, where he earned All-American and Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors, Cummard has spent over a decade with the Cougars' basketball programs, serving on the coaching staffs for both the men's and women's teams. Prior to taking the head coach role, he helped the women's program achieve a WCC regular season title and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. A Mesa, Arizona native who served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tennessee, Coach Cummard played professionally overseas and is committed to fostering excellence both on and off the court for his student-athletes.

Bruce Kusch is the respected President of Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College), a role he began in 2017 after serving as the Chief Academic Officer. An accomplished academic leader, he has focused on enhancing the college's learning and teaching frameworks, resulting in increased student success and strong employer relationships. Prior to his current role, President Kusch held various administrative and faculty positions at BYU-Idaho and was an executive in Silicon Valley for companies including IBM and Logitech. He received a PhD in Instructional Design from Idaho State University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a BS from the University of Phoenix.He also has significant Church service, having presided over the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife from 2012 to 2015.

Shane Smeed, a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was serving as the president of Park University in Missouri and as the stake president of the Platte City Missouri Stake at the time of this interview. In February, Smeed accepted the position of President of Utah Tech University in Saint George, Utah.At Park University Smeed led initiatives focused on student success, institutional excellence and workforce development. His leadership accomplishments include launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign and creating strategic business partnerships to enhance student outcomes in the global market.Born in Provo, Utah, and raised in various states, he has a deep-rooted passion for education, inspired by his father's career. Balancing his professional and ecclesiastical responsibilities, Smeed is supported by his wife, Angela, and their three children. He is committed to fostering leadership, service, and faith in both his academic and church communities.

Jonathan Cutler is a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. He is the owner and former Director of Acquisitions at Cutler Enterprises and currently serves as the COO of The Storage Acquisition Group, which he joined in 2016. Jonathan's extensive background includes roles such as Director of Acquisition, Purchasing, and Estimating for KB Home.

Pete Grigsby has been a dedicated on-air TV meteorologist since 1990, spending the last 23 years with KMBC in Kansas City, MO. His career also includes stints in Norfolk, VA; Evansville, IN; and Bowling Green, KY. In 2008, Pete transitioned to an administrative role with the Blue Springs School District to better balance family life, where he oversees the district's TV and radio stations and teaches meteorology and broadcasting. A former all-state high school basketball player, Pete chose to focus on his studies in Broadcast/Journalism and Meteorology over college basketball offers. He enjoys running, playing piano, and serving in his church, while cherishing time with his wife Michelle and their two children, Nyle and Pete IV.

Jeremiah J. Morgan serves as the Deputy Attorney General for the State of Missouri, overseeing the civil practice of the Missouri Attorney General's Office. With a distinguished legal career, he has clerked for the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and practiced law with Bryan Cave LLC. Morgan also served as Deputy Solicitor General and General Counsel to the Supreme Court of Missouri. In addition to his legal work, he was called as an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2020, with ecclesiastical responsibilities across four states. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri and Brigham Young University, Morgan's journey reflects a commitment to both his profession and faith.

Porter Ellett, a native of Loa, Utah, has overcome significant challenges to achieve his dream of working in the NFL. After a childhood accident left him with severe nerve damage and the eventual amputation of his right arm, Ellett excelled in sports, earning accolades in high school and later serving a mission for the LDS Church. He attended BYU, where he worked as an equipment manager for the baseball team and discovered a passion for football. After earning a master's degree in sports management from Baylor, Ellett joined the Kansas City Chiefs, where he now serves as an assistant running backs coach to Head Coach Andy Reid

Luana Freitas, originally from Macaé, Brazil, has a dynamic and culturally rich background. Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her family, she shares a unique bond with her two 16-year-old adopted sisters. Luana pursued a degree in law in Brazil and soon after moved to France to participate in an au pair program, which allowed her to travel and immerse herself in French culture. Fluent in five languages—Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Japanese—Luana’s linguistic talents are a testament to her dedication to learning and cultural exchange. Her educational journey has been equally impressive. After starting BYU Pathway two years ago, Luana decided to continue her studies in Business online. Feeling a divine prompting, she has now chosen to further her education on campus at Ensign College. Luana’s passion for serving others was evident during her mission in Tokyo South, Japan, and has continued through her roles as a Young Women’s counselor and Sunday School Teacher. She is dedicated to participating in missionary lessons with friends and attending the temple whenever possible, striving to be a positive example and helping others feel God's love.

Eves Otto, a 22-year-old psychology student, hails from a town near Paris, France. A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eves finds profound joy and guidance in the Gospel, which has significantly shaped her life and daily decisions. Her passion for traveling and discovering new places complements his academic and spiritual pursuits, making her a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge and new experiences. As the youngest of five siblings, Eves's family background is diverse and rich in cultural heritage. Her father's family originates from Guadeloupe, while her maternal grandparents are from mainland France. Eves's mother played a crucial role in teaching her about God, prayer, and the commandments. After exploring Archeology and Art History at Panthéon Sorbonne, Eves transitioned to psychology at the University of Sorbonne Paris Nord, where he is currently immersed in understanding the human mind. Eves plans to join Air France as a cabin crew member and is eager to improve her English and Spanish while traveling the world. Her church service includes a mission in the France Lyon Mission and roles in Primary and as the Young Women President in her branch.

Will Vincenzi's journey is a compelling story of transformation and faith. Born in France and raised in New Caledonia, Will faced a crisis of belief after a tragic accident claimed his younger sister's life. At twenty, a friend introduced him to the church, leading him to take missionary lessons and witness a miracle that solidified his faith. Will was baptized in August 2016, a decision that initially puzzled his mother but ultimately strengthened their relationship as she saw the positive changes in his life. Eager to serve, Will embarked on a mission to the France Paris Mission just a year and a half after his baptism. During his two-year service across France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, he deepened his understanding of the gospel and met his future wife, Hannah. Currently, Will is the assistant manager of a furniture store in Paris and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management through BYU Pathway. In addition to his professional and academic pursuits, Will serves as the Branch President of the Aulnay-sous-Bois Branch and has held various leadership roles within the church. Hannah Vincenzi's life has been shaped by a deep-rooted connection to the gospel, nurtured by her return missionary parents. A talented vocal performer, Hannah studied music at BYU before embarking on her mission, serving at the Visitors’ Center of the Paris temple. It was here she met Will, and although their friendship blossomed during their missions, it wasn't until they returned home and began writing letters that their relationship deepened. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship and the complications of Covid, Hannah and Will married in France in 2021. Now residing permanently in France, Hannah has completed her master's program in English studies, focusing on American history and the role of women in the church. Currently a PhD student, she is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneer women in the church. Her scholarly work includes a chapter in a book about the history of Latter-day Saint women in France. Professionally, Hannah has worked as a preschool teacher in a bilingual setting and aspires to become a church historian. Her dedication to education and history underscores her commitment to enriching the narrative of women's contributions to the church.