Henry B Eyring Biography: The Complete Account, Verified Records & Legacy
Henry B. Eyring is 92 years old. He was born on May 31, 1933, in Princeton, New Jersey. He is a respected religious leader, educator, and author.
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Henry grew up in a family that valued learning. His father, Henry Eyring, was a well-known scientist. This environment helped shape Henry’s love for education and faith. He studied physics at the University of Utah and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
After finishing school, Henry taught at Stanford University. He also served as president of Ricks College in Idaho, now known as BYU–Idaho. His work in education showed his strong leadership and deep commitment to helping others learn and grow.
In 1992, Henry was called to serve as a General Authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1995. Over the years, he served as a counselor in the First Presidency under Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and Russell M. Nelson. His steady presence and wise counsel earned him great respect within the church.
Henry is known for his clear and heartfelt talks during General Conference. He often speaks about faith, service, and personal revelation. His words have inspired many people around the world. He has also written several books, including To Draw Closer to God and Reflections of a Scientist.
He married Kathleen Johnson, and together they raised six children. Despite his busy schedule, Henry always made time for his family. He is admired not only for his public service but also for his quiet strength at home.
Throughout his life, Henry B. Eyring has combined faith, education, and leadership. He has helped shape the spiritual lives of millions. His legacy continues through his teachings, writings, and example.
Henry B Eyring Early Life and Education
Henry Bennion Eyring was born on May 31, 1933, in Princeton, New Jersey. His birthplace immediately set him apart from many peers in the western-centric Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This East Coast beginning was shaped by his family’s profound intellectual and spiritual heritage. He is the son of the world-renowned theoretical chemist Henry Eyring, a towering figure in scientific history. The relationship between young Henry B. and his father was incredibly influential. He grew up in an environment where scientific rigor, spiritual conviction, and diligent work were the highest ideals. His father’s faith was a powerful example, demonstrating that deep scientific understanding and profound spiritual belief were completely compatible. This foundational lesson would become a hallmark of his own life and teachings. His early academic pursuits were rigorous and diverse. Eyring began his higher education at the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1955. This science background provided a methodical, analytical approach that would later inform his teaching and leadership styles. Following his undergraduate work, he served a two-year stint in the U.S. Air Force, an experience that added practical discipline to his intellectual training. His academic journey didn’t stop with science. He pivoted to business, attending Harvard Business School. There, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1959 and, later, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in 1963. This unusual combination of physics, military service, and advanced business education gave him a uniquely broad skill set. He was equipped to tackle both technical and organizational challenges, preparing him for the complex roles he would eventually fill in academia and, ultimately, in the highest echelons of LDS Church history and leadership. This diverse education ensured his biography would be marked by intellectual and administrative strength.
Henry B Eyring Academic and Professional Career
Before his full-time service as an LDS Apostle, Henry B. Eyring established an impressive career in the academic world. His intellectual foundation in physics and business administration paved the way for significant leadership roles. His professional life began with a faculty position at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he taught from 1962 to 1971. During his time at Stanford, he worked as an associate professor, distinguishing himself as a gifted educator and administrator. His experience teaching at one of the nation’s top institutions provided invaluable insight into effective organizational management and communication—skills that proved crucial later on. A major turning point in his professional Mormon biography came in 1971 when he accepted the presidency of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He served in this capacity until 1977. His tenure as president was marked by significant growth and a focus on strengthening the college’s spiritual mission while maintaining academic excellence. He was known for his personal connection with students and faculty, creating a collaborative and uplifting campus environment. His vision and leadership during this period laid a key foundation for the future of the institution. Under later leadership, Ricks College would eventually evolve into BYU–Idaho, one of the Church’s major universities. After his service at Ricks College, his administrative skills were recognized at a higher level within the Church’s education system. From 1977 to 1980 and again from 1985 to 1992, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Church Education. This role involved overseeing the Church’s extensive worldwide educational programs, including seminaries, institutes of religion, and its university system. This position solidified his influence on the education of millions of Church members globally. His experiences at Stanford, Ricks College, and the Church Educational System provided him with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and large-scale leadership, directly answering the query: What did Henry B Eyring do before becoming an apostle? He was a distinguished educator and educational administrator.
Henry B Eyring Spiritual Calling and Church Leadership
Henry B. Eyring’s transition from a highly respected academic to a full-time spiritual leader began in earnest in the early 1990s. His extensive experience in education and administration proved to be an ideal preparation for the demanding roles within the highest levels of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was first called as a General Authority and a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1992. This calling placed him in a full-time, global ministry role, allowing him to travel extensively and interact with Church members across the world. After three years of devoted service in this capacity, a more significant calling arrived. In 1995, he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This placed him among the twelve men recognized as special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. His time as an apostle allowed him to share his unique blend of intellectual rigor and deep spirituality with a global audience, primarily through his addresses at General Conference. His calm demeanor and emotional delivery quickly made him a beloved speaker. His service in the Quorum was a prelude to the most visible aspects of his Church leadership. In 2007, he was called to the First Presidency, the Church’s supreme governing body, which consists of the President of the Church and his two Counselors. He first served as the Second Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. Upon President Hinckley’s passing, he was called to serve as the First Counselor to President Thomas S. Monson from 2008 to 2018. Following President Monson’s death, he continued his service, being called as the Second Counselor to President Russell M. Nelson in 2018. The answer to the common query, How long has Henry B Eyring served in the First Presidency? is a span that covers over a decade and three different Church Presidents, a testament to his trust and capacity within Church leadership. His sustained service in the First Presidency, a rare and notable feat, confirms his vital LDS Apostle status and enduring legacy in modern LDS Church history.
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Henry B Eyring Family and Personal Life
Central to the Henry B Eyring biography is his family life, which he consistently places at the heart of his personal devotion and public ministry. He is married to Kathleen Johnson, and their partnership has been a bedrock throughout his career—from the halls of Stanford and Harvard to the worldwide stage of the First Presidency. They were married in 1962 and together raised a beautiful family of six children: four sons and two daughters. He often references his wife and children in his public addresses, sharing tender, often humorous, insights into their lives and experiences to illustrate spiritual principles. This willingness to share personal vulnerabilities is one reason he is so highly revered. His personal life is characterized by a deep and quiet devotion, frequently highlighting the principle of humility. Despite his extraordinary academic achievements and powerful ecclesiastical callings, he is widely known for his gentle manner and approachability. He possesses a remarkably deep spiritual insight, often expressed through his frequent testimony of personal revelation. This quality is often referred to as his emotional intelligence; he connects with people on a deeply human level, often bringing audiences to tears with his tender recounting of personal spiritual experiences or family stories. This emotional depth is not just a speaking style; it reflects the sincerity of his character. One of the key influences in his life was his scientist father, and the query, Is Henry B Eyring related to the scientist Henry Eyring? is easily answered with a resounding yes, he is his son. He learned from his father the principle of “finding the gospel in everything,” a concept that shaped his perspective on faith, science, and family. His family is the living proof of his teachings, a continuous source of strength, and a constant reminder of the primary importance of eternal relationships. He exemplifies the faithful Mormon biography focused on home, hearth, and holiness.
Henry B Eyring Teachings and Publications
Elder Eyring’s impact on the Church is powerfully conveyed through his extensive teachings and influential publications. As a gifted communicator and former academic, his message delivery is consistently clear, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in personal experience. He is a frequent contributor to LDS General Conference, where his addresses are consistently among the most memorable and quoted. His talks often focus on simple yet profound spiritual themes, delivered with an emotional sincerity that resonates globally. His literary contributions further extend his influence. He is the author of several important books that synthesize his background in science, education, and spirituality. One of his most well-known books is To Draw Closer to God, a work that focuses on fostering a deeper, more personal relationship with the divine. Another significant publication is Reflections of a Scientist, which delves into the harmony he finds between scientific inquiry and religious faith, a theme inherited from his father. This book directly addresses the intellectual and spiritual synthesis that defines his perspective. Across all his teachings, he emphasizes several core principles: the vital importance of personal revelation, the sanctity of the family, the necessity of selfless service, and the strength that comes from enduring faith even through difficult trials. The PAA query, What are Henry B Eyring’s most famous talks? is challenging to answer definitively, but those focusing on testimony, continuous improvement (“My Peace I Leave With You”), and the power of small, consistent spiritual acts are universally lauded. His talk “The True and Living Church” is often cited for its powerful witness. His ability to distill complex spiritual truths into accessible, relatable lessons, using his own experiences as illustrations, ensures his publications and addresses remain highly relevant to both long-time and new members of the Church. He uses his background as a teacher to guide people toward greater spiritual light.
Henry B Eyring Legacy and Influence
The legacy and influence of Henry B. Eyring are both broad and deep, touching on the educational, administrative, and spiritual aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His indelible mark on LDS education is particularly significant. As President of Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho) and later as Deputy Commissioner of Church Education, he championed models of learning that prioritize faith and spirituality alongside academic rigor. His early tenure set a course that helped transform a regional college into a major university known for its unique, innovative educational approach. This administrative excellence is a key part of his profile. Beyond education, his service in the First Presidency under three different presidents—Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and Russell M. Nelson—positions him as a key figure in modern Church administration and doctrine. His longevity and consistent contributions demonstrate the high level of trust placed in his judgment and spiritual guidance. He is widely revered for his profound spiritual depth and his exceptional emotional intelligence. Many leaders and members look to him as a master of empathy and authentic communication. His ability to weep openly as he bears his testimony has made him a mentor of effective, heart-centered Church leadership. He has significantly impacted how leaders connect with and inspire their congregations. In essence, he has mentored future church leaders by example, showing them that genuine humility and transparency are hallmarks of true spiritual authority. His messages of hope, sustained faith, and the power of small, daily spiritual efforts will continue to resonate for generations, securing his place as one of the most beloved and consequential leaders in contemporary LDS Church history. He has ensured his Mormon biography will be one remembered for both powerful administrative acumen and tender spiritual witness.
Henry B. Eyring Age and Date of Birth
Henry B Eyring Age is 92 years old. He was born on May 31, 1933, in Princeton, New Jersey.
Henry B. Eyring Wife/Spouse
Henry B Eyring Wife is Kathleen Johnson Eyring. They have been married for many years and have six children together.
Henry B. Eyring Height
Henry B Eyring Height is approximately 6 feet 3 inches (190.5 cm). He is known for his tall stature, which adds to his dignified presence as a leader in the LDS Church.
Henry B. Eyring Net Worth and Sources of Wealth
Henry B Eyring Net Worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His wealth comes from his academic career, book royalties, and a modest living allowance provided by the LDS Church.
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He previously taught at Stanford University and served as president of Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho). His published works, including spiritual and educational books, also contribute to his income. As a senior church leader, he receives a standard allowance, not a salary, as confirmed by church sources.
Henry B. Eyring Profile Table
Profile | Information |
Henry B. Eyring career | Educational Administrator, Author, and Religious Leader. Served as Professor at Stanford, President of Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho), and Commissioner of Church Education. Currently serves in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Apostle). |
Henry B. Eyring real name | Henry Bennion Eyring |
Henry B. Eyring age | 92 (as of May 31, 2025) |
Henry B. Eyring date of birth | May 31, 1933 |
Henry B. Eyring net worth | Not publicly known |
Henry B. Eyring wife / spouse | Kathleen Johnson (m. 1962; deceased 2023) |
Henry B. Eyring children (list if available) | Six children (Four sons and two daughters, including Henry J. Eyring) |
Henry B. Eyring parents (list if available) | Henry Eyring (Father) and Mildred Bennion (Mother) |
Henry B. Eyring religion | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS/Mormon) |
Henry B. Eyring state of origin | New Jersey (Born in Princeton, New Jersey) |
Henry B. Eyring alma mater | University of Utah; Harvard Business School |
Henry B. Eyring education | B.S. in Physics (University of Utah), M.B.A. and D.B.A. (Harvard University) |
Henry B. Eyring nationality | American |