Early Life and Education of Jeffrey R. Holland: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jeffrey R. Holland. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jeffrey R. Holland is a prominent American religious leader and educator. He served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University (BYU) and currently holds the position of acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this role, he is recognized by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. He is currently the third most senior apostle in the church's hierarchy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 3, 1940: Jeffrey R. Holland Born

On December 3, 1940, Jeffrey Roy Holland was born. He would later become an educator and religious leader, serving as the ninth president of Brigham Young University (BYU) and acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Others born on this day/year

1959: Graduated from Dixie High School

In 1959, Holland graduated from Dixie High School, where he contributed to state high school championships in football and basketball.

June 7, 1963: Married Patricia Terry

On June 7, 1963, Holland married Patricia Terry in the St. George Temple.

1966: Received Master of Arts Degree

In 1966, Holland received a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a thesis on selected changes to the text of the Book of Mormon.

1972: Received PhD from Yale University

In 1972, Holland received a PhD in American studies at Yale University, where he wrote a dissertation on the religious sense of Mark Twain.

1974: Appointed Dean of Religious Education at BYU

In 1974, Holland was appointed BYU's dean of religious education.

1976: Appointed Commissioner of the Church Educational System

In 1976, Holland became the eleventh commissioner of the Church Educational System (CES), replacing Neal A. Maxwell.

1980: Appointed BYU's Ninth President

In 1980, Holland became BYU's ninth president, replacing Dallin H. Oaks.

April 1, 1989: Called as a General Authority

On April 1, 1989, Holland was called as a general authority and member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, concluding his term as BYU's president.

1990: Counselor in the Young Men Organization

From 1989 to 1990, Holland was a counselor in the general presidency of the church's Young Men organization.

1990: Moved to Solihull, England

From 1990 to 1993, Holland and his wife lived in Solihull, England, where he served as president of the church's Europe North Area.

1993: Ended service in Solihull, England

From 1990 to 1993, Holland and his wife lived in Solihull, England, where he served as president of the church's Europe North Area.

June 23, 1994: Called and Ordained as Apostle

On June 23, 1994, Holland was called and ordained as an apostle by Howard W. Hunter, the new church president, filling the vacancy created by the death of Ezra Taft Benson. He also met with the media on the day of his ordination.

October 1994: Call to Apostleship Ratified

In October 1994, Holland's call to the apostleship was ratified by the church during the October 1994 General Conference.

2002: President of Chile Area

From 2002 to 2004, Holland lived in Santiago and served as president of the church's Chile Area.

2004: Ended service as president of Chile Area

From 2002 to 2004, Holland lived in Santiago and served as president of the church's Chile Area.

2009: Son became president of Utah Valley University

From 2009 to 2018, Holland's oldest son, Matthew S. Holland, served as president of Utah Valley University.

2018: Son ended his time as president of Utah Valley University

From 2009 to 2018, Holland's oldest son, Matthew S. Holland, served as president of Utah Valley University.

April 2020: Son Matthew became a General Authority

In April 2020, Holland's oldest son, Matthew S. Holland, has been a general authority since this time.

April 2023: Took Health Hiatus

In April 2023, the church reported that Holland would take a two-month hiatus from service to focus on his health, due to undergoing dialysis for a kidney issue and contracting COVID-19.

July 20, 2023: Death of Patricia Terry Holland

Patricia Terry Holland, wife of Jeffrey R. Holland, died on July 20, 2023, from causes incident to age and health.

November 15, 2023: Appointed Acting President of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Following the death of M. Russell Ballard, Holland was appointed and set apart as the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on November 15, 2023.