Brothers and sisters,
it is an honor for me
to be here with you this morning. I appreciate the timely message
of Brother Gibson as well as the inspiring
music provided. I come here today at the request of President Thomas
S. Monson. In his role as President of the Church,
he also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Education,
and I represent him and the other members of the board
here this morning. As of May 1st,
2014, President Cecil O. Samuelson will have served as president
of Brigham Young University for eleven years.
When he was called to the presidency of this great university
by President Gordon B Hinckley, President Samuelson brought with him a wealth
of church service and professional experiences
that began with his missionary service
in the North British mission from 1961 to 1963.
Since then, he has served well
as elders quorum president, high councilor,
stake president, regional representative, and member of the First Quorum of the
Seventy,
a calling he continued to hold
as president of Brigham Young University until October
2011. In his professional life,
President Samuelson was a physician, vice president for Health Sciences
at the University in Utah after serving as a professor of medicine and dean
at the School of Medicine at the University and was senior vice president
of Intermountain Healthcare at the time of his call
as a general authority of the Church. President Samuelson has served this
institution
with great distinction and it is important for the faculty,
staff, students, and supporters of this university
to know that the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve,
and Board of Education unanimously recognize
the great work and devotion of President Cecil O. Samuelson
to BYU. Truly
his leadership and influence for good
cannot be measured. Likewise, the work and supportive Sister Sharon G. Samuelson,
who has been steadfastly by President Samuelson's side since
November 1964,
are truly admirable. Sister Samuelson has been a friend
and mentor to all associated with this great university.
A woman who has tremendous talent
and ability in her own right, she has been tireless
in her support of President Samuelson
not only during his years at BYU,
but in all that he has been involved with
through the years. It is therefore with great appreciation
and love that I announce today on behalf of the Board of Education
the release of president Cecil O. Samuelson
as president of Brigham Young University, effective
May 1st, 2014.
President and Sister Samuelson,
we love you and appreciate
all you have done during your tenure here.
I'm also pleased to announce to you today
with the approval of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve
and the Board of Education the appointment
of Kevin J. Worthen as president of Brigham Young University,
effective May 1st 2014.
Brother Worthen is well-qualified for this appointment.
A graduate of BYU, he went on to receive his Juris Doctor
in 1982 from this university and had a distinguished career in private law
practice.
He then joined the faculty of the BYU Law School in 1987
and was a Fulbright Scholar for one year in Chile.
He was associate dean of the law school and then served as dean
from 2004 to 2008.
Brother Worthen is the current advancement vice president
at BYU. He is married to the former Peggy Ray
Sealy and they are the parents of three children.
On behalf President Monson
and the Board of Education, I know that you join me today
in appreciation and love for President
and Sister Samuelson. Likewise,
we are confident of your continued support for Brother Worthen
as he assumes his responsibilities.
It is my solemn testimony that the Lord directs
the work of His kingdom here on the earth
and that he is vitally interested in this institution
and has directed these changes.
May our Heavenly Father's choicest blessings be with each of us
as we help move the kingdom of God forward.
I humbly pray in the sacred name
of Jesus Christ, amen.