Ryan Gardner graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor's degree in English language and literature. He then earned a master's degree in religious education from Brigham Young University-Provo, followed by a doctorate degree in education from Utah State University.
Brother Gardner served for many years as a seminary and institute instructor, semoinary principal, and CES instructional designer for the Church Educational System. In 2012 he joined the faculty in the Department of Religious Education at BYU-Idaho.
"Entrenching a Fundamental: Use of the First Vision in General Conference" (BYU Religious Educator, Vol. 22, No. 1, 2021)
"Stand United in Tribute to the Living Prophet" (BYU-Idaho Devotional, May 2, 2017)
"The Articles of Faith: A Framework for teaching the History and Doctrine of the Restoration" (in Foundations of the Restoration: Fulfillment of the Covenant Purposes, Religious Studies Center, BYU, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 2017)
"Jesus Christ and the Feast of Tabernacles" (BYU Religious Educator, Vol. 13, No. 3, 2012)
"'Serious Reflection' for Religious Educators" (BYU Religious Educator, Vol. 12, No. 3, 2011)