The First Presidency has called Elder James R. Rasband of the Quorum of the Seventy to serve as the new Commissioner for the Church Educational System, effective April 1, 2026. In this role, he will oversee the Church’s educational entities, comprising Brigham Young University (BYU), BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, Ensign College, BYU–Pathway Worldwide, and Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.
Elder Rasband replaces Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in February 2026.
Learn more about the Church Educational System.
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The First Presidency made the announcement Wednesday in a letter to General Authorities and other Church leaders.
“Elder Rasband comes to this assignment with extensive academic experience, including an undergraduate degree from BYU and law degree from Harvard University, service as dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, and as the Academic Vice President of Brigham Young University,” the First Presidency said.
He began his career as an attorney with Perkins Coie in Seattle, Washington. In 1995 he joined the faculty of the J. Reuben Clark Law School. He was dean from 2009 to 2016 and then academic vice president of BYU until his call to be General Authority Seventy in April 2019.
As a General Authority Seventy, Elder Rasband has served for three years as a counselor in the Asia North Area Presidency and Assistant Executive Director in the Temple Department.
Elder Rasband was born in Seattle, Washington, on March 20, 1963. He and his wife, Mary, are the parents of four children.
