BYU-Idaho prepares students for future leadership positions

by Amber Warner WAR05005@BYUI.EDU Guest Writer

Mark Curdy, a financial manager from Lewiston, Utah, attended Ricks College 28 years ago and still remembers the great experiences and leadership opportunities he had.

Now a husband and father of seven, Curdy has served in several callings in the Church, such as Young Men’s president, elders quorum president, and bishop.

“I was involved in Student Leadership Council. We worked with administration in promoting fund raisers,” said Curdy. “Also, leadership in wards helped me to learn and practice my leadership skills.”

The students of BYU-Idaho will become legendary in their ability to serve and uplift in and out of the church, according to Elder Henry B. Eyring, former president of the college.

“They will be natural leaders who know how to teach and how to learn ... Those graduates of BYU-Idaho will become—and this is a prophecy that I am prepared to make and make solemnly­ — those graduates of BYU-Idaho will become legendary for their capacity to build the people around them and to add value wherever they serve,” Elder Eyring said in a 2001 BYU-Idaho devotional.

Prominent leaders in the Church have attended as students or served as presidents of Ricks College. Marion G. Romney, former Apostle, Joe J. Christensen, a former member of the Quorum of the Seventy, and Bruce C. Hafen, current member of the Seventy are just a few examples.

Many influential community leaders and church members attended or graduated from the college as well. 

“If students leave BYU-Idaho and keep that light about them they will become an influence for good both in and out of the church,” Ross Baron, a BYU-I religion professor said. “If you never become a bishop it doesn’t mean you are a failure. Leadership is becoming like the Savior in whatever capacity you are called to be in.”

Students must do more than just attend classes, however, if they want to reach the potential that they have to become significant leaders, said Steven Davis, Director of BYU-I Alumni.

“Those involved in an association or activities program are the ones who go on and become successful in whatever their profession,” Davis said. “I think we do a great job here at BYU-I in preparing leaders.”

BYU-I student Solveig Briggs, a junior from Murrieta, Calif., has come to appreciate the many opportunities to lead by listening to the Spirit.

“Because the Spirit is present at this school, we have opportunities to be led and to lead if we just listen,” Briggs said. “What we learn and develop here can have a great impact on the world in the future ... There are so many wards, clubs, classes and organizations to be involved in that we really are surrounded by opportunities to lead and to serve. If you are looking for a [chance] to lead, you can find one just about anywhere you look.”