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BYU announces new university president during devotional

C. Shane Reese to take over in May

By Sarah Hunt - | Mar 21, 2023
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Outgoing Brigham Young University president Kevin J. Worthen, left, embraces C. Shane Reese after a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Reese will succeed Worthen in the role on May 1.
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Brigham Young University president Kevin J. Worthen, center, and his wife Peggy Worthen receive a standing ovation during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Worthen will step down as president of the university on May 1.
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BYU President Kevin J. Worthen gives two thumbs up during a devotional at the Marriott Center Tuesday, March 21, 2023, when it was announced he will be stepping down from his post. Worthen will be succeeded by C. Shane Reese on May 1.
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Kevin J. Worthen speaks during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Worthen will step down as president of Brigham Young University on May 1.
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C. Shane Reese speaks during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Reese was named the next president of Brigham Young University.
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C. Shane Reese, left, and his wife Wendy listen to remarks during a devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, when he was announced as Brigham Young University's new president. Reese will succeed Kevin. J. Worthen on May 1.
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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland speaks during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Holland announced that Kevin J. Worthen, center left, will be replaced by C. Shane Reese, center right, as the university's new president on May 1.
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Kevin J. Worthen speaks during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Worthen will step down as president of Brigham Young University on May 1.
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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland speaks during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
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Kevin J. Worthen listens as C. Shane Reese speaks during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Reese will succeed Worthen as president of Brigham Young University on May 1.
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Attendees bow their heads in prayer during a BYU devotional at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced Tuesday during Brigham Young University’s weekly devotional that the Spring 2023 semester will be Kevin J. Worthen’s last as president of Brigham Young University.

C. Shane Reese, BYU academic vice president, will become the university’s 14th president beginning May 1.

“I should note that President Worthen will continue to serve until May 1, which will be his anniversary exactly of nine years in the president’s post. There’s nothing magical about nine years, but two fellows named Oaks and Holland both served in that position for nine years to the day,” Holland said.

Reese began his career with BYU in 2001, teaching statistics. He eventually became dean of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences in 2017 before becoming academic vice president in 2019. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BYU and his doctorate from Texas A&M.

In addressing the crowd, Reese spoke out his time as a freshman student at BYU. Overwhelmed and feeling like he made a mistake, he called his mom. His mom encouraged Reese to talk to the brother of one of their past bishops, a faculty member with the J. Reuben Clark Law School.

Reese remembers how that professor took the time to reassure him and recognize he was a person, not just an “ID number.” While saying he didn’t think the faculty member remembered the conversation at all, Worthen’s words resonated with a young Reese.

“Today we honor your unending energy, your bold vision, and your unfailing loyalty. That honor extends equally to both President and Sister Worthen. I will forever be grateful for your mentoring influence in my life,” Reese said. “First, as a lost freshman, and most recently as one who sits in council with you, amazed at your love for BYU, its students, faculty and staff. On this important occasion, Wendy and I pledge our best efforts to build on the progress of President and Sister Worthen.”

Worthen was sworn in as president on May 1, 2014. He is the third BYU president since Merrill J. Bateman, who served from 1996-2003, to serve as a member of the Seventy while serving as president.

“I love you, each one of you,” Worthen said in his address. “It’s largely because I have felt an increased measure of God’s love for each and every one of you. It is my prayer that each of you may feel that during your time at BYU.”

Worthen earned his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from BYU in 1982. He worked as a clerk for Justice Byron R. White of the U.S. Supreme Court and practiced law briefly before returning to BYU as a professor in 1987.

He became the dean of the BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School in 2004 and BYU’s advancement vice president in 2008. In his life, he has also served within the church as a bishop, stake president and, currently, as an Area Seventy.

He and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 45 years. They have three children of their own and five grandchildren.

“I am grateful for all of you in this BYU community. … I am overflowing with appreciation for all that you have done to make our experience here wonderful and unforgettable,” Peggy Worthen said. “I have a deep and abiding love for this university and all that it stands for. I will always cherish the memories and the friendships we have made here, … and I am excited for Shane and Wendy. It has been a pleasure to be associated with them.”

Kevin Worthen, seated beside his great grand-predecessor in Holland, held back tears repeatedly in his speech and while listening to others praise his dedication to the school and near-decade of service. In his 2014 introductory press conference, Worthen said, “I’m a BYU guy through and through.”

Worthen’s next calling is not yet known. As the emotional weight of the transition loomed over the stage, the change was felt by all in attendance. Stan and Mary Crippen, parents of several BYU and BYU-Hawaii students, came to the devotional in person to see Holland, not knowing the implications the day would have on the university’s future.

“It’s not often in the world that you see people that have that kind of commitment,” Stan Crippen said. “These (presidents) choose to be serving at a school; they turn down jobs when they all could have made more money elsewhere. It’s wonderful to have someone that has that kind of drive, passion and testimony who purposefully gives up worldly things to be here.”

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