SEASON PURCELL / Scroll Photo Illustration, lds.org

Wilkes makes transition to Billings Temple president

Amber Warner WAR05005@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Former interim president of BYU-Idaho, Robert M. Wilkes will leave with his wife Nov. 1 to assume his position as president of the Billings Montana Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Wilkes and his wife contemplated what they would do when President Kim B. Clark arrived, and this new calling came to them as quite a surprise, he said.

Wilkes was called to serve as interim for former president, Elder David Bednar, Dec. 1, 2004, a position he held for six months.

Wilkes has served in many positions such as vice president of student life and president of the Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission.

There are mixed emotions about leaving for the couple. The Wilkes are excited for the new university president but will miss the campus.

“Being at BYU-I was a gift. We will always be grateful we served there, ” Wilkes said.

Wilkes’ role as temple president will differ from the positions he had at BYU-I. Some of his new assignments will include presiding over temple functions, coordinating ordinance workers, and working with stake presidents and local temple districts.

President and Sister Wilkes are looking forward to learning about and working with the people in the Billings, Montana temple district. They anticipate their service in the temple will bring them great personal blessings.