President Oaks, Six Other BYU Presidents Honored in Utah Valley

President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was honored for his legacy as the eighth president of Brigham Young University at the Pillar of the Valley award gala in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

President Oaks was one of seven current and former BYU presidents recognized at the annual event, hosted by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. The award celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the Utah Valley community through business, educational, social, civic or cultural means.

“For 150 years, BYU has been a beacon of higher education, blending academic rigor with faith-based values,” the event flyer read. “From just 29 students to a world-class university, it has shaped generations of leaders, innovators and lifelong learners.”

Current BYU President C. Shane Reese echoed those same sentiments when speaking on behalf of the honorees, which included Reese (2023–present); Elder Kevin J Worthen (2014–23); Elder Cecil O. Samuelson (2003–14); Elder Merrill J. Bateman (1996–2003); Rex E. Lee (1989–95); the late president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Jeffrey R. Holland (1980–89); and current Church President Dallin H. Oaks (1971–80).

“Our theme this year for [BYU’s] 150th birthday has been simple: Share your gifts of light to bless others,” he said. “That idea, sharing gifts of light, is what I see when I think of my colleagues — those past presidents of BYU that we honor tonight. They are individuals who lifted others, strengthened our university and shaped this community in enduring ways. I’ve been blessed to know each of them and to learn from each of them.”

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While reflecting on President Oaks’ time at BYU, Reese shared:

To give you a passing glimpse of the astounding impact of a lifetime of service to our campus and this valley, may I offer Exhibit A into the record — a clipping from the Provo Daily Herald after President Dallin H. Oaks’ first year as the helm of the president of BYU. It reads, in part, with hardly time to get his feet wet, President Oaks adopted a new academic calendar, made plans for an addition to the library, involved students in fundraising, discontinued one college and reorganized two others. He reemphasized the university’s policy on dress and behavior, set up programs to tighten and improve the curriculum, and initiated a whole series of moves to delegate authorities to deans, department chairs and faculty and to clarify lines of operation. President Oaks accomplished all this and more while simultaneously setting up BYU’s Law School.

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Reese also spoke about the legacy of the late President Jeffrey R. Holland: “President Holland has been a towering example to me; someone whose conviction, intellect and faith have left an indelible mark on this university and far beyond its walls.”

Elder Matthew S. Holland, executive director of the Church Communication Department, accepted the award on behalf of his father, who passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 85. Janet Lee accepted the award on behalf of her husband, Rex Lee, who passed away on March 11, 1996, at the age of 61.

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President Reese concluded his message: “At BYU’s Centennial Celebration 50 years ago, President Spencer W. Kimball expressed his vision that BYU would become a refining host for shining stars who would go out into the world and bless it. These past presidents are among those brilliant stars. They have served and illuminated this valley so magnificently. They have shown our students what it means to enter to learn and go forth to serve.”