In my role at the Utah Valley Chamber, I have the opportunity to work closely with business leaders, educators and community builders across our region. One thing is consistently clear: Brigham Young University plays a central role in shaping not only our workforce but also the character and values that define Utah County.
As BYU approaches its 150th anniversary, this is a moment to reflect on the leadership that has guided the university through generations of growth while remaining firmly rooted in its spiritual foundation.
BYU’s mission has always been distinctive. It is a university committed not only to academic excellence but also to the development of individuals, families and communities grounded in faith, integrity and purpose. That combination is increasingly rare in higher education, and it is one of the primary reasons BYU continues to have such a profound influence on both its students and the communities they go on to serve.
That influence begins with leadership.
For decades, BYU presidents have carried a responsibility that extends far beyond campus operations. They have served as stewards of an institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — an institution tasked with educating the “whole person,” intellectually and spiritually.
Through periods of change and growth, these leaders have remained anchored in that mission. They have strengthened BYU’s academic rigor while preserving its commitment to faith. They have prepared students not only for careers but also for lives of service, leadership and discipleship.
The results of that approach are evident throughout Utah Valley and far beyond.
Economic impact studies conducted over time consistently show that BYU contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Utah County, supports more than 15,000 jobs and plays a central role in the region’s workforce, business creation and long-term growth. Employers recognize not only the capability of BYU graduates but also their character, work ethic, sense of responsibility and long-term perspective.
These qualities are not incidental. They are the product of an educational model shaped by leaders who understood that faith and scholarship are not competing priorities but complementary ones.
As Utah Valley continues to expand, BYU’s role as both a talent pipeline and a community anchor becomes even more significant. Perhaps more importantly, the university continues to shape principled leaders: individuals prepared to navigate complexity with both competence and conviction.
That kind of leadership is essential in today’s world.
On April 14, the Utah Valley Chamber will honor seven BYU presidents at this year’s Pillar of the Valley event. Together, their leadership spans more than five decades, a period of remarkable growth for both the university and the region it serves.
This is a rare opportunity to recognize individuals whose influence has shaped not only an institution but also the lives of generations of students and the trajectory of an entire community.
As BYU marks 150 years, we celebrate more than its history. We recognize the leaders who have safeguarded its mission, strengthened its impact and ensured that it remains a force for good in the world.
That legacy continues, and its influence will be felt for generations to come.