Elder Clark G. Gilbert Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Clark G. Gilbert and his wife, Christine, speak about his new call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a significant change to its senior leadership today. Elder Clark G. Gilbert has been called as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The 55-year-old leader was called on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and ordained the following day by President Dallin H. Oaks, acting on behalf of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.

A Life Defined by Faith and Learning

Official portrait of Elder Clark G. Gilbert, 2021.

Born in Oakland, California, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Elder Gilbert has spent his career at the intersection of spiritual devotion and academic excellence. Prior to this calling, he served as a General Authority Seventy and as the Commissioner of the Church Educational System (CES).

Reflecting on his new responsibility, Elder Gilbert emphasized a message of hope:

“This is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ. When we do that, we can find joy and comfort and peace in Him... If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful.”

From Harvard to Rexburg: A Vision for Global Education

Hundreds of people gathered in the Conference Center Theater on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on November 16, 2017, as Clark G. Gilbert was formally installed as the first president of BYU–Pathway Worldwide by President Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Gilbert’s academic pedigree is extensive, featuring degrees from BYU, Stanford, and a doctorate from Harvard Business School. While serving on the faculty at Harvard, he felt a pull toward Church education.

In 2006, he and his wife, Christine, left Boston for Rexburg, Idaho, to join BYU–Idaho. This move sparked a career of "rethinking Church education on a global scale." His leadership roles have since included:

CEO of Deseret Digital Media
President of the Deseret News
President of BYU–Idaho
Inaugural President of BYU–Pathway Worldwide

Focus on Divine Potential

Elder Clark G. Gilbert (center), and BYU–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III and his wife, Jennifer (left), applaud as graduates enter the BYU–Idaho Center for commencement on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Photo by Reilly Cook, BYU–Idaho.

Elder Gilbert is perhaps best known for his work with BYU–Pathway Worldwide, an initiative that has served over 288,000 students in 180 countries. His philosophy centers on the idea that "it is not where we start, but where we are headed that matters most."

He often cites his experiences with inner-city youth in Boston as the catalyst for his belief in human potential. "One of the miracles of this, the Lord’s Church, is that each of us can become something more in Christ," he stated.

Family and Service

Elder Clark G. Gilbert speaks during the Saturday morning session of general conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 2, 2021.

Beyond his professional accolades, Elder Gilbert has served as a missionary in Japan, a bishop, and an Area Seventy. He and his wife, Christine, were married in 1994 and are the parents of eight children.

As he begins his ministry in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Gilbert remains focused on the lifting power of the Savior. "Whether we start in abundant or difficult circumstances, let us keep our sights and our slopes pointed heavenward. As we do, Christ will lift us to a higher place."

MORE PHOTOS:

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ is joined by Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Seventy at a devotional for students of Ensign College in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert speaks at the 2024 Principals’ Conference in Apia, Samoa.

Elder Quentin L. Cook (far left) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Mary, are joined by Elder Clark G. Gilbert and his wife, Christine, at the worldwide devotional for young adults that was broadcast on Sunday, November 17, 2023.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Ruth, greet new BYU-Pathway Worldwide President Clark G. Gilbert and his wife, Christine, in the Conference Center after President Gilbert was inaugurated on November 16, 2017.

Former presidents of BYU–Idaho, along with their wives, gather for a group portrait. Top row (left to right): David A. Bednar (1997–2004) and his wife, Susan; Henry J. Eyring (2017–2023) and his wife, Kelly; Clark Gilbert (2015–2017) and his wife, Christine; and current president, Alvin F. Meredith, with his wife, Jennifer. Bottom row (left to right): Kim B. Clark (2005–2015) and his wife, Sue; Henry B. Eyring (1971–1977); and Bruce C. Hafen (1978–1985) with his wife, Marie.