Alumni and Friends Directory

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Biography

Jeffrey Roy Holland (born December 3, 1940) is an American educator and religious leader. He served as the ninth President of Brigham Young University and is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Holland is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. Currently, he is the fourth most senior apostle in the church.

Holland was born and raised in St. George, Utah. After graduating from high school, his college education began at Dixie College and he also served a mission for the LDS Church in Great Britain. After returning from his mission, he transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. He later earned a master's degree in Religious Education at BYU. Holland received a second master's degree and later a Ph.D. in American Studies at Yale University. In 1974, Holland was appointed the Dean of Religious Education at BYU and was appointed as the eleventh Commissioner of the Church Educational System two years later, replacing Neal A. Maxwell. In 1980, Holland became the ninth president of BYU, replacing Dallin H. Oaks.