Childhood and Education Journey of Henry B. Eyring in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 5, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Henry B. Eyring. A timeline of key moments.

Henry B. Eyring is an American religious leader, educator, and author prominent in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He currently serves as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency, under Russell M. Nelson, since 2018. Prior to this, he served as First Counselor to Thomas S. Monson from 2008 to 2018 and Second Counselor to Gordon B. Hinckley from 2007 to 2008. His leadership positions underscore his significant role and influence within the church's highest governing body.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 31, 1933: Henry B. Eyring Born

On May 31, 1933, Henry Bennion Eyring was born. He is an American educational administrator, author, and religious leader.

Others born on this day/year

1960: Met Kathleen Johnson

In the spring of 1960, Henry B. Eyring met his future wife, Kathleen Johnson, at a YSA meeting held at Rindge, New Hampshire at the Cathedral of the Pines.

1961: Engaged to Kathleen Johnson

After an intense courtship in the summer of 1960, Henry B. Eyring and Kathleen Johnson continued dating, leading to their engagement early in 1961.

July 27, 1962: Married Kathleen Johnson

On July 27, 1962, Henry B. Eyring married Kathleen Johnson in the LDS Church's Logan Temple. The ceremony was performed by his uncle, Spencer W. Kimball.

1962: Associate Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business

In 1962, Henry B. Eyring became an associate professor of business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

1962: Began Professorship at Stanford University

In the fall of 1962, Henry B. Eyring began working as a professor at Stanford University.

1963: Finished Doctorate and Completed RAND Corporation Fellowship

In the summer of 1963, Henry B. Eyring completed his doctorate in business and also finished a fellowship with the RAND Corporation.

1971: Appointed President of Ricks College

In 1971, Henry B. Eyring became the president of Ricks College.

1971: End of Professorship at Stanford Graduate School of Business

In 1971, Henry B. Eyring's time as an associate professor of business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business ended.

1977: End of Presidency at Ricks College

In 1977, Henry B. Eyring concluded his service as president of Ricks College.

September 1980: Appointed Commissioner of Church Education

In September 1980, Henry B. Eyring began his first term as commissioner of church education.

April 1985: End of First Term as Commissioner of Church Education

In April 1985, Henry B. Eyring completed his first term as commissioner of church education.

September 1992: Reappointed Commissioner of Church Education

In September 1992, Henry B. Eyring was reappointed as commissioner of church education.

April 1, 1995: Sustained as Member of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Following the death of church president Howard W. Hunter, on April 1, 1995, Henry B. Eyring was sustained as a member of the Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

January 2005: End of Second Term as Commissioner of Church Education

In January 2005, Henry B. Eyring concluded his second term as commissioner of church education and was replaced by W. Rolfe Kerr.

October 6, 2007: Appointed Second Counselor to Gordon B. Hinckley

On October 6, 2007, Henry B. Eyring became the second counselor to Gordon B. Hinckley in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

January 27, 2008: End of Service as Second Counselor to Gordon B. Hinckley

On January 27, 2008, Gordon B. Hinckley passed away, marking the end of Henry B. Eyring's service as his second counselor in the First Presidency.

2014: Spoke at Humanum in Vatican City

In 2014, after meeting with Pope Francis, Henry B. Eyring spoke at Humanum, an International Interreligious Colloquium on The Complementarity of Man and Woman, held in Vatican City.

2017: Henry J. Eyring Appointed President of BYU-Idaho

In 2017, Henry J. Eyring, son of Henry B. Eyring, was appointed president of BYU–Idaho.

January 2, 2018: End of Service as First Counselor to Thomas S. Monson

On January 2, 2018, Thomas S. Monson passed away, marking the end of Henry B. Eyring's service as his first counselor in the First Presidency.

January 14, 2018: Appointed Second Counselor in the First Presidency

On January 14, 2018, Henry B. Eyring became the second counselor to Russell M. Nelson in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.