Elder Bednar was born in 1952 in Oakland, California. His mother was a faithful member of the church descended from pioneer ancestry. His father was supportive of the church but was not a member until Elder Bednar baptized him later in life. Elder Bednar served a mission in Germany and thereafter graduated from BYU with a baccalaureate degree in 1976 and a master’s degree in 1977. He met and married Sister Bednar in 1975 while at BYU. In his first conference address, Elder Bednar said of Sister Bednar: “My wife, Susan, is a virtuous woman and a righteous mother. You will quickly see that purity and goodness are evident in her countenance. I love her and appreciate her more than words can express.” The Bednars have three sons.

Elder Bednar received a PhD from Purdue University in 1980 and joined the business faculty at the University of Arkansas. The Dean of the College of Business described Elder Bednar’s contributions in this way, “David Bednar was part of our leadership team. He sharpened our vision. He always exuded enthusiasm for students and a passion to help his fellowman. To all our discussions he brought reason and compassion. He inspired his colleagues and students by his example and was held in the highest esteem.” While building is professional career, he also served as bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, stake president, regional representative, and as an Area Authority Seventy.

In 1997, Elder Bednar was appointed president of Ricks College which became BYU-Idaho in 2001. Of the transition to a university, Elder Bednar said: “I have come to know that President Hinckley’s vision concerning the future of BYU–Idaho is not really about two-year or four-year status. It is not really about academic rank or athletics. And it is not really about a name change. This announcement is about faith—faith in the future. Given all the changes that have taken place at this institution in a relatively short period of time, I testify that miracles have occurred, revelations have been received, and doors have been opened, and we have been greatly blessed as individuals and as an institution. These truly are days never to be forgotten.”

I treasure my opportunity to visit with Elder Bednar in my office one afternoon. His answers to two questions remain firm in my mind. The first was about the resources invested in this university. A prior devotional address had talked about the perpetual education fund and the amount of money available to individuals throughout the world. I wondered why the resources spent here were so great while other saints around the world received much less. His answer related this institution to a business “incubator facility” and students as “seed corn.” My second question related directly to ED 200. I asked Elder Bednar if he were teaching this course what message would he send. He responded that anyone who chose the role of professional teacher already understood sacrifice. This very choice was to give up much of what the world might have to offer. He suggested our role at BYU-Idaho was to move beyond sacrifice and become consecrated teachers.

Source: Henry B. Eyring, “Elder David A. Bednar: Going Forward in the Strength of the Lord,” Ensign, Mar 2005, 16–20