LDS spotlight – David A. Bednar  – w/ infographic

Early Life and Education

David Allan Bednar was born on June 15, 1952, in Oakland, California. His mother came from a long line of Latter-day Saints, but his father did not join the church until Bednar was in his late twenties.

Bednar served as a full-time missionary in Southern Germany. He then attended Brigham Young University, where he received:

• A Bachelor of Arts degree in communication in 1976
• A Master of Arts degree in organizational communication in 1977

He furthered his education at Purdue University, earning a doctorate degree in organizational behavior in 1980.

Academic Career

Bednar’s academic career included several notable positions:

• Assistant Professor of management at the University of Arkansas College of Business Administration (1980-1984)
• Assistant Professor of management at Texas Tech University (1984-1986)
• Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas (1987-1992)
• Director of the Management Decision-Making Lab at the University of Arkansas (1992-1997)

During his time at the University of Arkansas, Bednar received recognition for his teaching:

• Outstanding Teacher Award in 1994
• Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Twice received the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Business Administration

Church Leadership

Bednar’s service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes:

• Bishop of the Fayetteville Ward (1987)
• Stake President of the Fort Smith Arkansas Stake (1987-1991)
• Stake President of the Rogers Arkansas Stake (1991-1995)
• Regional Representative (1994-1995)
• Area Seventy (1997-2004)

In a significant role, Bednar served as the president of Ricks College/BYU–Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, from July 1, 1997, to December 1, 2004. During this time, he oversaw the transition of the school from Ricks College, the largest private junior college in the United States, to Brigham Young University–Idaho, a four-year university.

Apostleship

On October 2, 2004, Bednar was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At 52 years old, he was the youngest man named to that body since Dallin H. Oaks in 1984. He was ordained an apostle on October 7, 2004, by church president Gordon B. Hinckley.

As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Bednar is recognized by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. He is currently the sixth most senior apostle in the church.

Notable Events and Contributions

Some significant events and contributions during Bednar’s apostleship include:

• Dedicating the Star Valley Wyoming Temple in 2016
• Attending the 2019 dedication of the Rome Italy Temple with all 15 of the LDS Church apostles
• Addressing the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on May 26, 2022