FARMS Becomes Part of BYU

Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Seventy, who serves as president of Brigham Young University, has announced that the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) has accepted an invitation from the BYU board of trustees to become part of the university.

“FARMS represents the efforts of sincere and dedicated scholars,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley, who serves as president of the BYU board of trustees. “It has grown to provide strong support and defense of the Church on a professional basis. I wish to express my strong congratulations and appreciation for those who started this effort and who have shepherded it to this point. I see a bright future for this effort now through the university.”

Though previously separate entities, FARMS and BYU have had a long-standing relationship. More than 100 BYU faculty members have participated in FARMS projects, and the foundation has provided them with financial and staff support for scholarly work, including opportunities for scholarly publication and peer review. Scholars now working on FARMS projects will have access to university services, and BYU faculty from a wide range of disciplines will be able to participate more readily in FARMS projects.

“Bringing FARMS into the university will give both entities more visibility and increased scholarly prestige,” said Elder Bateman. “I am excited about the work that we will be able to do together.”