As Brigham Young University approaches its 150th anniversary, the Utah Valley Chamber is honoring the leaders whose vision and dedication have shaped the university’s enduring legacy.
In the weeks leading up to the April 14 Pillar of the Valley event, we are highlighting one president at a time, reflecting on the defining moments of their leadership and the lasting impact they continue to have on BYU and beyond.
We now turn to President Jeffrey R. Holland, who served from 1980 to 1989 and led with a rare combination of intellectual energy, spiritual conviction, and deep love for the university and its students.
A Vision Rooted in Faith and Excellence
From the beginning of his presidency, President Holland was clear about his purpose: BYU would pursue excellence, but never at the expense of its spiritual foundation.
He believed that the university’s strength came from its ability to integrate faith and learning in a meaningful and lasting way. In his inaugural address, he taught:
“Faith must ever be the scholar’s hallmark here…faith in friends, faith in facts, faith in the future, and, above all, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
That vision became a defining principle of his leadership, one that continues to shape BYU today.
Elevating BYU’s Academic and Global Presence
President Holland’s tenure was marked by remarkable growth, achievement, and national recognition.
During these years, BYU reached new heights in both academics and campus life. The university saw historic moments, from a national football championship to innovations in technology and business that would help lay the groundwork for Utah’s future economic growth.
At the same time, President Holland expanded BYU’s global footprint in meaningful ways. His leadership was instrumental in the creation of the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, a project that required extraordinary diplomacy, trust, and vision. Today, it stands as one of the university’s most distinctive and symbolic contributions to international education.
Doing What BYU Does Best
A hallmark of President Holland’s leadership was his belief that BYU did not need to do everything, but what it did, it should do exceptionally well.
He worked to strengthen both academic rigor and spiritual identity, ensuring that students were not only well educated, but well grounded. His focus was not just on outcomes, but on formation, developing individuals prepared to lead with both competence and conviction.
A Lasting Influence
Following his time as BYU president, President Holland continued his lifelong service as a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1994, he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where his teachings and ministry reached a global audience.
President Holland passed away on December 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, leadership, and devotion that continues to inspire.
Yet at the heart of his work was always a deep commitment to students, to their growth, their faith, and their potential. That influence remains evident at BYU and in the lives of those he taught and led around the world.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
On April 14, 2026, President Holland will be honored alongside six other BYU presidents at the Utah Valley Chamber’s Pillar of the Valley event. Together, their leadership spans more than five decades of growth, innovation, and impact.
As BYU celebrates 150 years, we recognize leaders like President Holland whose vision and conviction have helped define what the university is today, and what it will become in the years ahead.
We invite you to learn more about available sponsorship opportunities for the Pillar of the Valley event and be part of honoring this remarkable legacy of leadership.