Henry B. Eyring: A Legacy of Faith, Academia, and Leadership
Henry B. Eyring is a distinguished American religious leader and former educational administrator who currently serves as the First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). With a career spanning high-level academia, military service, and decades of ecclesiastical leadership, Eyring is the second most senior apostle in the church and serves as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
His journey is marked by a unique blend of scientific rigor and spiritual devotion, moving from the lecture halls of Stanford and Harvard to the highest governing councils of his faith.
Key Facts
- Current Roles: First Counselor in the First Presidency and President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
- Education: BS in Physics (University of Utah), MBA and DBA (Harvard University).
- Academic Career: Former professor at Stanford University and President of Ricks College (1971–1977).
- Military Service: Served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force (1955–1957).
- Historic Milestone: Participated in the first-ever meeting between a pope and a top LDS general authority in 2014.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Born on May 31, 1933, in Princeton, New Jersey, Henry Bennion Eyring was the son of Henry Eyring, a prominent professor and former president of the American Chemical Society, and Mildred Bennion. His family ties to church leadership were established early, as his aunt, Camilla Eyring, was the wife of Spencer W. Kimball, who later became the twelfth president of the LDS Church.
Eyring's academic trajectory began with a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Utah in 1955. Following two years of service in the U.S. Air Force, he pursued advanced business studies at Harvard University, where he earned both an MBA and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Professional Career in Academia and Business
From 1962 to 1971, Eyring served as an associate professor of business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. During this period, he also held a fellowship with the RAND Corporation and served as a Sloan Visiting Faculty Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he studied human behavior under influential figures such as Douglas McGregor.
Beyond the classroom, Eyring applied his expertise to the private sector, co-founding the computer company System Industries alongside associate Ed Zschau. His leadership skills eventually led him to the presidency of Ricks College (now Brigham Young University–Idaho), where he served from 1971 to 1977.
Ecclesiastical Service and Leadership
Eyring's service as a General Authority—a high-ranking leader who provides guidance to the global church—began in 1985. He initially served as a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric before being called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1992. On April 1, 1995, he was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Over the following decades, Eyring held several pivotal roles within the First Presidency, the highest governing body of the church:
- Second Counselor: Served under President Gordon B. Hinckley (2007–2008) and later under President Russell M. Nelson (2018–2025).
- First Counselor: Served under President Thomas S. Monson (2008–2018) and currently serves under President Dallin H. Oaks (since October 14, 2025).
In addition to these roles, he has served twice as the commissioner of the Church Educational System (1980–1985 and 1992–2005) and has dedicated numerous temples worldwide, including those in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and San Salvador.
Global Diplomacy and Personal Life
In 2014, President Eyring achieved a historic milestone in interreligious diplomacy. After meeting with Pope Francis, he spoke at the Humanum colloquium in Vatican City, marking the first time a pope and a top LDS general authority had ever met.
On a personal note, Eyring was married to Kathleen Johnson from 1962 until her passing in 2023. The couple had six children, including Henry J. Eyring, a former president of BYU–Idaho. He is also a first cousin once-removed of former Michigan governor George W. Romney.
Summary of Leadership Timeline
| Period | Position | Organization/Body |
|---|---|---|
| 1971–1977 | President | Ricks College |
| 1985–1992 | First Counselor | Presiding Bishopric |
| 1992–1995 | Member | First Quorum of the Seventy |
| 1995–2007 | Apostle | Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| 2007–2025 | Counselor (1st or 2nd) | First Presidency |
| 2025–Present | First Counselor / Quorum President | First Presidency / Quorum of the Twelve |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henry B. Eyring's current role in the LDS Church?
He currently serves as the First Counselor in the First Presidency and is the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
What is his academic background?
He holds a BS in physics from the University of Utah and both an MBA and a DBA from Harvard University.
Which educational institutions has he led or taught at?
He was a professor at Stanford University and served as the president of Ricks College from 1971 to 1977.
What was the significance of his 2014 visit to the Vatican?
It marked the first time in history that a pope and a top general authority of the LDS Church met, during which he spoke at an international interreligious colloquium.
How many children do Henry and Kathleen Eyring have?
They had six children, including four sons and two daughters.