Mike Bunnell
Joe had a large impact on my academic career at BYU. I was recently reflecting on my experience and wanted to reach out to thank him. I’m very sad to learn of his passing. Sending much love to his family.
In 2010, I was finishing up with general education courses at a local community college in Oregon. I had a strong impression that I should attend BYU and submitted an application for the Fall 10’ semester. I was quickly denied and reached out to my assigned admissions counselor for information. In a nutshell, I was informed that I was a non-traditional student with no shot at being admitted (older student, GED, decent community college grades - but not exceptional). Nevertheless, I had an extremely strong desire to learn and grow and I knew that I was supposed to continue my education at BYU. I was persistent, even relentless, in reaching out to the admissions counselor, consistently trying to plead my case, and making no headway.
Then, one day in late July, a month before the start of the semester, I called the admissions counselor. He had been reassigned to another position and I was reassigned to Joe Peabody. During our first conversation we connected on academic and personal levels. I remember him asking me about my desired career path and taking a keen interest when I mentioned my interests in biology/ecology/wildland conservation. At the end of our conversation I remember him saying, “It’s within my ability to admit a few non-traditional students each year, and you’re one of them. Welcome to BYU!” I get emotional thinking about the experience to this day.
Two weeks later, myself, my wife, and our 5 week old son packed up all of our belongings and moved to Provo. During that first semester the coursework was difficult and I was not confident in my ability to succeed. I remember thinking to myself, “there is no way I’m going to let Joe Peabody down. He gave me a shot and I’m not going to squander this opportunity.” That initial mindset drove me to work hard and to push through adversity. I would go on to complete undergraduate degrees in wildlife conservation, environmental science, and a graduate degree in biology - all from BYU. My experience at BYU helped me to grow emotionally, mentally, academically, and spiritually.
To that end, I owe much of my success in life to a man that I’ve never met in person. He believed in me and gave me an opportunity. I’m forever indebted to him and ever grateful for his goodness.