Henry B. Eyring became the president of Ricks College in 1971 and served until 1977. His administration added more buildings, developed new technical and vocational programs, and refined the administrative structure. He also opened the college to those left homeless by the Teton Dam Flood.
President Eyring was asked by the Board of Trustees to serve as the Commissioner of Education for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Subsequently, Dr. Harry Maxwell, the dean of academic affairs, was appointed acting president for eight months during a nationwide search for a successor.