A New Chapter Begins with President Shane Reese!

In a momentous event held on September 19, 2023, C. Shane Reese was inaugurated as the
fourteenth president of Brigham Young University (BYU). His inaugural speech, titled “Becoming
BYU: An Inaugural Response,” was a stirring call to action and a vision for the future of the
university.

Reese’s speech was a reflection on the unique governance of BYU, its mission, and its
commitment to being a Christ-centered, prophetically-directed university. He emphasized the
importance of balancing scholarship and discipleship, building covenant communities, and
having the courage to be different.
Reese expressed his love for BYU and its mission, as well as his admiration for the students
and his colleagues. He acknowledged the contributions of his thirteen predecessors, each of
whom shaped and guided BYU toward its prophetic destiny.

Reese’s journey to becoming BYU’s president is a testament to his willingness to serve, ability
to work, and desire to learn. His appointment is not just a personal achievement but also a
significant milestone for the university.
The speech was a call to action for the BYU community to strive to become the university of
prophecy and promise. Reese urged the community to embrace both secular and sacred truths,
marking the difference when secular claims conflict with revealed truth.

Reese’s vision for BYU is one of unity and progress, where the university continues to uphold its
commitment to its unique mission while striving for academic excellence. His leadership
promises to guide BYU into a new era of growth and development, staying true to its roots while
embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The inauguration of President Reese marks a new chapter in BYU’s history, one filled with
anticipation and promise. As BYU moves forward under Reese’s leadership, it continues to
uphold its commitment to being a Christ-centered, prophetically-directed university, striving to
balance scholarship and discipleship, and building covenant communities.

This story is just beginning, and the BYU community is eager to see where President Reese’s
leadership will lead them. As they embark on this new journey, they carry with them the words of
President Reese: "Our task, I submit, is to claim in our day the prophecies of the past. Our task
is to become the university that prophets foretold … to become the BYU of prophecy and
promise.