BYU Speeches

Justin Collings, the academic vice president of BYU, discusses the university's vision as a Christ-centered institution. He emphasizes integrating the restored gospel into teaching, aiming to prepare students as lifelong disciples. Collings explores the relationship between academic integrity and faith, advocating for a holistic curriculum. Highlighting BYU's prophetic destiny, he encourages active participation in spiritual education and turning to Christ for salvation, aligning academic pursuits with divine work.

C. Shane Reese, president of Brigham Young University, shares insightful ideas on building positive momentum in education and life. He emphasizes aligning personal desires with divine will to foster spiritual growth. Reese discusses the pivotal role of statistics in detecting change, and offers real examples like water levels and athletic comebacks. He highlights the university's commitment to integrating spiritual and academic excellence, showcasing how new initiatives are designed to enhance student engagement and graduation rates. It's an inspiring conversation about forging paths forward.

Ronald A. Rasband, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares insights on the unique mission of Brigham Young University as a Christ-centered institution. He highlights the importance of prophetic guidance in higher education, emphasizing how it serves as a strategic asset for the university. Key initiatives like the UNIV 101 course aim to enhance student success and foster spiritual growth, showcasing how prophetic governance can transform the university experience.

Neil L. Andersen, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares insights on cultivating righteous desires through education. He emphasizes the vital connection between personal will and divine grace. By aligning our aspirations with God's will, we can experience profound spiritual growth. Andersen highlights the transformative power of the mind and the importance of keeping covenants, drawing inspiration from Jesus Christ's example in Gethsemane to encourage listeners on their spiritual journeys.

Darron M. Billeter, an associate professor of marketing at BYU, shares profound insights on accessing Christ's strength. He emphasizes how studying the Savior's teachings, embodying meekness, and serving others can lead to transformation. Personal anecdotes highlight his journey through career challenges, where he turned failure into gratitude. Billeter illustrates how prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit enhance spiritual growth, urging listeners to deepen their faith through acts of service and continued learning.

Kim B. Clark, a professor at the Marriott School of Business, emphasizes the journey to becoming a disciple-leader by integrating soul, heart, and mind into effective leadership. He discusses the power of moral leadership, highlighting how integrity fosters trust and unity within teams. Clark introduces the LIV framework, focusing on love, inspiration, vitality, and expression as keys to nurturing a supportive environment. Additionally, he underscores the importance of covenant relationships in leadership, exemplified by Kathy Justy's impactful work in cancer research.

Tonya H. Fischio, assistant dean of communications for the College of Life Sciences, discusses integrating faith and scholarship, embracing divine identity, and recognizing divine guidance. Stories illustrate the impact of reflecting the light of Christ in academic pursuits and professional contexts at BYU.

Dean of undergraduate education, Richard A. Gill, delves into the covenantal journey of disciple-scholarship, emphasizing spiritual observations, divine guidance, embracing wonder in nature, building a covenant community, and integrating discipleship with scholarly pursuits.

Ellen S. Knell, associate director at the Center for Language Studies, talks about finding light in small spiritual experiences, her language learning journey, embracing incremental progress, finding comfort in grief, and the value of personal growth.

Kimberly O. Jenkins discusses finding healing light by recognizing miracles, putting in effort, and serving others. She shares stories of overcoming challenges in academia, infertility, and personal struggles during chemotherapy. Learn how to bring light and faith into life amid challenges and find inner peace and purpose.