BYU President's Report
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Why BYU?
By President Cecil O. Samuelson
More than 11 years ago, in the October 1999 general conference of the Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed the priesthood session by discussing “why we do some of the things we do.” Of the several topics he covered that evening, the first on his list was to discuss this question: Why does the Church sponsor BYU? Even though at that time I had absolutely no inkling that my current responsibility would ever be mine, I was very interested in what he said, and I recommend his address to you in its entirety. Since my appointment I have reflected on this question regularly and frequently, and it continues to inform me and us in our decisions, our priorities, our commitments, and our efforts.
First, President Hinckley noted the Church’s sponsorship of Brigham Young University has “a doctrinal root.” Second, even though the Church is not able to provide a university education to more than a small fraction of worthy Church members, it is important to do the most we can. Said he, “The number who can be accommodated on campus is finite, but the influence of the university is infinite.” Not only do our graduates bless the lives of others throughout the world, but BYU has “brought much favorable notice to the Church.”
While President Hinckley - and, I might add, our current First Presidency feels the same way - recognized how extremely expensive this institution is to the Church, he also was clear in his endorsement of continued support and recognition of the tremendous contribution Brigham Young University makes to the cause of the Church. This confidence is inspiring but also daunting.
Recently President Henry B. Eyring shared with faculty and staff his insights about the role of Church education and particularly the critical part BYU plays. He clearly reaffirmed the support the current First Presidency gives to the important work done here. I think no other university of substance enjoys the consistent support and encouragement that we receive from our board of trustees.
BYU is One of a Kind
BYU is truly unique in so many ways. Yet we are also pleased to demonstrate to the world that we uphold appropriate, generally accepted academic values and standards - including those set through the established procedures of both discipline and institutional accreditation.
We all know President Thomas S. Monson’s statement of principle and practice: “When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates” (quoted by Thomas S. Monson in “Thou Art a Teacher Come from God,” Improvement Era, December 1970, 101; Conference Report, October 1970, 107). While not everything that is important can or should be visibly measured, many things that matter most in a BYU education can and do improve by appropriate measurement, by sensible reporting, and by focused attention to both genuine improvement and the rate of improvement, particularly for the benefit of students.
Student Achievement
Across campus there are myriad evidences of student academic achievement. These include student presentations, student performances, joint student-faculty scholarship, creative works, and publications. Our students do well in competitions of all kinds and contribute with poise, expertise, and insight that thrill us all. Indeed, as faculty and staff at Brigham Young University, we understand our most enduring legacy may well be the ongoing, continuing contributions and service of our students and their families.
The reputation of BYU continues to grow. We are now known not only regionally but also nationally and internationally. Individuals and groups from BYU are welcome and contribute around the world, and BYU welcomes individuals and groups from all around the world who contribute here at BYU while they gain from what we offer them in return. All the while we understand our most important focus and work is within the walls of our own campus. Even though “the world is our campus” and we do “go forth to serve,” our primary emphasis remains on the quality and importance of what we do here at home.
By every measure, students being admitted, enrolling, learning in and out of classes, and graduating are more prepared in faith, testimony, leadership, and service as well as in academic preparation and achievement and in natural and developed aptitude and multifaceted talent than ever before.
Constancy Amid Change
Our BYU mission is chartered in the great opportunity and challenge to be learning and teaching all the time in a world of change while remaining true and firm in our values and moral compass, which do not change.
We are grateful for your help - students benefit from your generosity, and the entire BYU community is blessed for what you share with us. We appreciate all that you do in terms of funding scholarships and other student-focused efforts. Thank you for your continued support.
My conviction about BYU and its vital place in the economy and future of the Church is absolutely firm.
How grateful I am for the privilege of being at Brigham Young University at this special time and having a small part, as do each of you, in accomplishing the tremendous work we have been trusted to do.
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Read “Why We Do Some of the Things We Do,” by President Gordon B. Hinckley in Ensign, November 1999 or online at lds.org.
“Why BYU?” is based on President Samuelson’s address at the Annual University Conference on August 24, 2010, and on remarks made to the BYU President’s Leadership Council. Read the entire AUC address at speeches.byu.edu.
