BYU-Idaho is getting a new president. During the weekly devotional today, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Elder Alvin F. Meredith III will become the 18 th president of the school. His service will begin Aug. 1.
“I rejoice that in the months and years ahead, BYU–Idaho will be blessed by the leadership and influence of President Alvin F. Meredith and Sister Jennifer Meredith,” said Elder Christofferson.
Elder Meredith became a General Authority Seventy for the Church on April 3, 2021. At the time, he and his wife were serving as mission leaders of the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. Elder Christofferson announced Elder Meredith will continue to serve as a General Authority Seventy while president of the university.
He takes over for President Henry J. Eyring who has served as president of BYU-Idaho for six years. President Eyring will return to Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business in Provo. He previously served as director of the Master of Business Administration program. He’ll also help develop leadership curriculum and teach undergraduate and graduate students.
“Sister Eyring and I are so grateful for the honor and blessing it has been to serve at this university, and we are thankful for the students, faculty and staff who mean so much to us,” President Eyring said. “We know that Elder and Sister Meredith are prepared to lead this university. They will be led on a steady, upward course. And the employees and students will be lifted. As a result, this great institution will get better still.”
Elder Christofferson said the Eyrings have “inspired, taught, and provided an exemplary model for BYU-Idaho and this entire community. President Eyring has lifted those around him with his leadership, deep commitment to students, and ongoing efforts to preserve and strengthen the culture and spirit of this great university.”
Over the last six years, President Eyring helped innovate curriculum and strengthen partnerships with BYU-Pathway Worldwide and Ensign College, Elder Christofferson said. He also helped lead the school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President and Sister Eyring spoke during the devotional. They thanked employees and students and expressed their excitement for the university to get to know the Merediths.
Students were quick to react to the news of a new president.
“It's really awesome! We're grateful for everything the Eryings have done for campus, but it's really awesome to be able to get someone so awesome to serve us,” said one student.
“I'm excited! I'm going to miss Elder Erying, but I'm really excited for Elder Meredith. He is going to kill it,” said another student.
Elder Christofferson said the official inauguration date will be announced later.