Clark Gilbert Named New President of BYU–Idaho

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chair of the Executive Committee of the Board made the announcement today at BYU-Idaho’s weekly devotional. Clark Gilbert replaces President Kim B. Clark, who has served the global influence of BYU-Idaho since 2005.

Gilbert will become the next president effective April 13.

President Clark came to BYU-Idaho after having served as the dean of the Harvard Business School for 10 years. President Clark and his wife, Sue Lorraine Clark, are the parents of seven children and have 22 grandchildren.

“During his time at BYU-Idaho, President Clark led significant development of the university through innovations in the academic calendar, online education, the introduction of the BYU-Idaho learning model, and the extension of the university around the world through the online Pathway program,” said Elder Paul V. Johnson, Church Commissioner of Education.

At the announcement, Elder Nelson praised President Clark for his leadership. “He has earned the trust, support, respect, and love of the faculty, staff, administrators, and students of this great university. Truly, in him, we have seen an eloquent example of an effective leader and servant.”

Clark Gilbert, who will be inaugurated as BYU-Idaho’s 16th president, has been recognized for his leadership in transforming the Deseret Media companies in the digital age. During Gilbert’s tenure, the Deseret News became known nationally for faith and family news coverage, while the creation of Deseret Digital Media has separately enabled the reach of family-focused content to millions of people around the world.

Gilbert’s new assignment will mean a return to BYU-Idaho, where he previously served as the associate academic vice president of academic development. His previous responsibilities at the university included student leadership, the Learning Model, online learning, and the Pathway program.

Prior to his work at BYU-Idaho, Gilbert was on the faculty of the Harvard Business School, where he taught entrepreneurial management and published path-breaking research on the disruptive impact of digital technology on the newspaper industry. He earned a doctorate in business administration from Harvard, a master’s degree from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University.

Gilbert will be taking the reins at BYU-Idaho with his wife, Christine Calder Gilbert, and the encouragement of their eight children.