Clark Gilbert inaugurated as 16th president of BYU Idaho

REXBURG -- Around 15,000 people attended the inauguration of Clark G. Gilbert Tuesday, Sept. 15. Gilbert becomes the 16th president of Brigham Young University-Idaho.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also spoke at the event. Gilbert said BYU-Idaho needs to prepare to be a resource to a growing worldwide church. He referenced the mission of the university as “developing disciple leaders.”

“May we remember the pioneer's hearts that enabled the BYU-Idaho gathering to commence in the first place," Gilbert said during his address. "Looking forward, may we recognize the purpose for that gathering.”

Speaking to the crowd, Uchtdorf said BYU-Idaho now serves the largest number of students among all Mormon educational institutions.

"The total enrollment is now more than 43,000 students, including online and Pathway students," Uchtdorf said.

Many students look forward to having Gilbert as their leader.

“I think it’s exciting that we have somebody new coming in," Christi Taylor, a senior at BYU-Idaho said. "I think it’s awesome President Gilbert is coming in and kind of taking his place. It’s a big spot to fill."

Dallin H. Oaks, Jeffrey R. Holland, and David A. Bednar, members of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also attended the inauguration.

Gilbert began his service at BYU-Idaho in April 2015. He brings a range of academic and professional experiences to his assignment in Rexburg. Most recently, he served as the president and CEO of Deseret News Publishing Company and Deseret Digital Media in Salt Lake City.