Larry Smith

Education

• B.S. Mathematics and Physics, Brigham Young University
• M.A. Physics, Brigham Young University
• Ph.D. Science Education, University of Texas at Austin

About

I have a passion for learning. The curiosity we all feel as children has stayed with me and even grown. I was raised in Provo in a family of teachers, so it was natural for me to want to be a college professor. Based on a desire to understand the physical world, I majored in Physics and Math at BYU and then earned a MA in Physics and a PhD in Science Education at the University of Texas at Austin. 

I began teaching at Snow College in 1991 and have enjoyed my colleagues and the variety of classes I get to teach here, including many different math and physics classes, astronomy, philosophy, and clarinet lessons. My research interests include the deficiencies of the method of significant figures in science. At Snow I have served as department chair, dean, director of faculty development, faculty senate president, and co-director of the honors program, but my main source of joy at work is in the classroom inspiring students to love learning and make the world a better place. I love my job!

My wife Holly and I are the parents of five children. The oldest two were born in Texas (ardent Longhorn fans) and the last three in Sanpete County; all five got great educations at Snow College. My hobbies include reading, travel, gardening, and learning.