From the President
President Samuelson welcomes you
“It is a university built on a foundation of faith, a distinctive institution that educates and inspires people around the world… this is Brigham Young University.
“Founded in 1875 as a small pioneer academy, today BYU is one of the world’s largest private universities. Its 29,000 students come from all 50 US states and more than 100 countries.
“Located in Provo, Utah, the university is recognized for strong academic programs and for a unique educational philosophy that combines academics and religious life. The university receives support and leadership from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Christian teachings and ideals are at the core of campus life.
“The university’s 11 colleges and schools receive national recognition for undergraduate and graduate programs. BYU has the country’s largest and most diverse foreign language study program with instruction in 66 languages. Both the J. Reuben Clark Law School and the Marriott School of Management receive high national rankings for graduate programs.
“The university is considered one of the architects of Utah’s research and high tech industry. BYU researchers explore critical issues of health and humanity from studies of the ancient past to the technologies that will shape our lives in the future.
“A BYU education is based on the concept of teaching the whole person, an education that is enriched by fine arts programs.
“The university also has a great athletic tradition. Over the years, BYU teams have won seven NCAA national championships and dozens of conference championships.
“One of BYU’s missions is to prepare students for lives of service. They are encouraged to enter to learn and go forth to serve. Each year, thousands of BYU students volunteer in humanitarian projects.
“BYU has a worldwide educational mission….Outside Utah, BYU has campuses in Hawaii and in Idaho. It also has major international study centers in London and in Jerusalem.
“Outside of the United States, perhaps the university’s best known ambassadors are its performing groups. BYU groups have performed in 87 countries, sharing a message of peace and brotherhood.”
"The founders of Brigham Young University hoped to establish a unique community here, a school that would offer a superb educational experience in a climate of faith. As one of the country’s premier universities, BYU has been true to that vision, preparing graduates for lives of learning and service, and striving to be a source of light and truth for all the world.”
—Cecil O. Samuelson
President of Brigham Young University