Cody Baldwin, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, is leaving after working five years at BYU–Hawaii to be the director for the master’s in business analytics program at the University of Wisconsin. His students shared how wonderful of a professor he was and what they have learned from him.
Baldwin said, “I am sad to leave this special place, but I am also excited for my new opportunity.” During his time at BYUH, he said he has been impressed with students. “I was learning from them, just like they were learning from me. I know the Lord has great things in store for each of them. They will play an important role in spreading the gospel to every corner of the earth.”
Baldwin taught business classes, including BUSM 180, 230, 361, 391, 410 and 461. “My small shoes won’t be tough to fill. Teachers who are much better than me will come,” Baldwin said. “I know that the Lord will always guide this university.”
Influence on students
Maralmaa Chinbold, a junior from Mongolia majoring in finance, said she took five classes from Baldwin. “I truly believe he is the best professor in the business department. His classes are applicable directly to the work field. He never makes students get stressed by being too stingy on his grades. I’m sad he is leaving.”
Tyson Hunter, a senior from California majoring in finance, shared, “He is a great teacher” who combines fun and hard work to learn. “He always tries new things when he teaches and knows how to break down complicated things into simple digestible principles.”
Suvd-Erdene Boldbaatar, a senior from Mongolia majoring in human resources, said, “He is an amazing man and really cares about his students. He understands the demanded skills in the work field and teaches it in a very simple way. I love his teaching methods.”
Baldwin shared his favorite part of teaching at BYUH is receiving emails from students telling him they got a job because of something they learned in his class. “These emails bring me a lot of joy,” he said.
Zolbayar Erdenechimeg, a senior from Mongolia majoring in business management, said, “His classes are very pragmatic. He knows what we have to learn in order to be good professionals in the job market and prepare us well. His lessons really do stay with me. I was planning to take two more classes, but sadly he is leaving.”
Kim Comenta, a senior from the Philippines majoring in human resources, said unforgettable lessons he learned from Baldwin are managing his finances and investing in the future. “He told us that it is something he wishes he learned while in high school or college. I appreciate it because he is teaching us practical skills that he knows will benefit his students. I love Brother Baldwin.”
Tsetsgee Enkhbold, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in human resources and psychology, shared, “He knows what he is doing and what he wants us to learn. His lessons are far beyond just a grade. They are practical, useful and stay with me forever.”
Baldwin said he loves teaching and loves business analytics, “so if I get to continue doing those things, fantastic.”
Tulga Enkhbold, a senior from Mongolia majoring in accounting, said, “He is a brilliant man who knows a lot about modern business technology. His classes and presentations are very interesting. He cares for each student and always tries to help them. He is a gifted and very inspiring teacher yet a very humble man.”
Baldwin said students should not get discouraged if they don’t know exactly what they want to be in the future. “Sometimes it takes time to figure it out, and sometimes you have to work a couple jobs before you figure that out. The most important thing is that you study hard, talk with those you trust, such as family, faculty, etc., and pray to seek the Lord’s direction. He is there to help.”
About the Baldwins
He shared he married his wife, Maley Baldwin, in the Washington D.C. Temple. He said about his wife, “She is beautiful, kind, a great mother and wife, and a wonderful example for me. I don’t know how I got so lucky.” Together they have three children: 8-year-old Mae, 5-year-old Isabelle and 2-year-old Jackson.
After the Fall 2020 Semester, Baldwin said they will be moving to Wisconsin where Baldwin will begin teaching at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “As a family, we spent time praying about the opportunity, and we know it’s the right thing for us,” he commented.
Baldwin said reading the Book of Mormon changed his life, and “it continues to provide me so much direction and peace.” He said his father’s ancestors were pioneers, and his fourth-great-grandfather, Caleb Baldwin, was in Liberty Jail with Joseph Smith.
He shared he has the best parents anyone could ask for. His father is a rocket scientist and “one of the smartest people I know,” Baldwin said. “But more importantly, he’s a faithful priesthood holder.” His mother stayed home and cared for her children, Baldwin said. “She is the kindest person I know. They both would do anything for anyone.”
Before coming to BYUH, Baldwin was working at the Hewlett-Packard Company where he managed analytics projects. Baldwin got his undergraduate degree in information systems and operations management from George Mason University and his MBA at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a focus in information technology management.