Elder Clark G. Gilbert Joins the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Clark G. Gilbert has been appointed as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His calling occurred on February 11, 2026, followed by an ordination the next day. President Dallin H. Oaks officiated the ceremony, accompanied by members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Background of Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Elder Gilbert, aged 55, hails from Oakland, California, though he spent significant childhood years in Phoenix, Arizona. He has been a General Authority Seventy since April 2021 and served as Commissioner of the Church Educational System shortly thereafter.

Upon his ordination, Elder Gilbert expressed his commitment to guiding individuals toward the teachings of Jesus Christ. He stated, “This is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ,” highlighting the importance of faith in finding joy and peace.

Educational Journey

Elder Gilbert’s academic accomplishments began at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations in 1994. His time at BYU was transformative, allowing him to associate his faith with academic growth.

• 1994: Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from BYU
• 1995: Master’s degree in East Asian Studies from Stanford University
• 2001: Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard University

After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Harvard. However, his ambition was to teach at BYU. In 2006, he accepted President Kim B. Clark’s invitation to serve as a faculty member at BYU–Idaho.

Professional Accomplishments

Elder Gilbert’s career is distinguished by roles in education and media. Key positions include:

• CEO of Deseret Digital Media (2009)
• President of Deseret News (2010)
• President of BYU–Idaho (2015)
• Inaugural president of BYU–Pathway Worldwide (2017)

As Commissioner of the Church Educational System, he supervised several educational institutions, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside academic achievement. Under his leadership, BYU–Pathway has successfully educated over 288,000 students across 180 countries since its inception in 2009.

Focus on Individual Potential

Elder Gilbert believes strongly in recognizing the divine potential within each individual. His experience working with underprivileged youth in Boston shaped his approach to education, focusing on potential rather than limitations. He affirmed that one’s starting circumstances do not define their future, indicating the transformative power of faith.

Church Leadership and Family Life

Elder Gilbert has held various leadership positions within the Church, including:

• Full-time missionary in the Japan Kobe Mission
• Counselor in a stake presidency
• Bishop
• Area Seventy

Married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994, he and his wife, Christine, are parents to eight children. Elder Gilbert’s dedication to both family and faith exemplifies his holistic approach to life and leadership.

With his new role in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Clark G. Gilbert is poised to inspire many on their spiritual journeys, emphasizing the power of service, faith, and personal growth through Christ.