Considering his character, experience and education, it isn't hard to understand why Elder Merrill J. Bateman was selected by the BYU board of trustees to be the university's new president. The challenge, in fact, would probably be finding something for which the 59-year-old Utah native is not well qualified.

President Gordon B. Hinckley announced Elder Bateman's call to the administrative post at BYU and to the First Quorum of the Seventy on Nov. 2. That left a dilemma of how to address the man who has been serving as Presiding Bishop since April 2, 1994 - Bishop, President, Elder or Brother Bateman. In a recent Church News interview he said "Brother" would do just fine.He actually begins his tenure as BYU president on Jan. 1, replacing Pres. Rex E. Lee who asked for a release earlier this year due to ill health.

Elder Bateman was born in Lehi, Utah. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and a doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in economics. He has spent his time since then as an educator, corporate business leader and business owner, and servant of the Lord. (Please see profiles in the July 4, 1992, and June 18, 1994, issues of the Church News.)

"I've very much enjoyed all of the opportunities I have had, but always seem to enjoy the last one the most," Elder Bateman said. His wife, Marilyn, who also participated in the Church News interview, looked at him and added, "You've always loved what you're doing at the time."

Beginning his service as a General Authority, Elder Bateman was called to the Second Quorum of the Seventy on June 6, 1992. He was president of the Asia North Area when he was called to be Presiding Bishop.

"You don't expect changes to come," he said. "You feel like you're settled and stable in what you are doing and you do the very best you can, whatever the assignment is at the time."

Sister Bateman said she is grateful for her husband's attitude about changes in employment or Church callings and about moves that have taken their family around the world. She offered: "I have to say this about my husband. He approaches a new assignment or a new experience with a lot of confidence. He doesn't equivocate. He moves forward and gives all of us confidence as we have these new experiences. We've been very fortunate that way. . . . I've always felt secure. Challenged? Yes. But happy about the experience."

Brother and Sister Bateman agreed that they are pleased with the BYU calling. Provo is where they have established a home base and they are returning to friends they made when he was on the faculty and, later, dean of the College of Business and of the School of Management and Graduate School of Management.

Showing his feelings for the university, Elder Bateman repeatedly referred to it respectfully as Brigham Young University rather than using the more convenient abbreviated name of BYU during the interview. And high on the list of things they like to do for fun, Elder and Sister Bateman included attending BYU athletic events.

Serving concurrently as a member of the Seventy, Elder Bateman will be the first BYU president who is also a General Authority. He said the assignment indicates that the board of trustees, which includes members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, sees the university as a beacon of light for the young people of the Church.

"I don't know if the president of Brigham Young University will always be a General Authority," he said. "But I think a clear signal is being sent

by the board of trusteesT that it is appropriate for a General Authority to be on campus and help set the pace and tone for the university."

He said that, as prophets in the Book of Mormon foretold, the standards of the world are drifting further away from the standards of the gospel. Indicating the tone he will set, Elder Bateman said, "I see one of the major missions of Brigham Young University to be that of exemplifying the standards of the Church and helping young people understand that happiness comes from living those standards and not adopting the standards of the world."

He continued: "I think it's very important that everyone understand that it is a Church institution and that the board of trustees provides the guidance. If it's going to be a beacon, the administration, faculty, staff, and students must all do their best to live the standards of the gospel. I don't see any need whatsoever to compromise. We can be an incredible university; in fact, we'll be a better university from an educational standpoint if we abide by the principles of the gospel. We'll have more light, more understanding, and more knowledge; not less."

He believes academic freedom is not restricted at BYU, because the school operates under a set of core truths based on eternal principles.

"In the end, if one is a member of the Brigham Young University community, he or she needs to subscribe to or be sympathetic with the fundamental doctrines espoused by the Church," Elder Bateman said. "We'll discuss gospel subjects and talk about them, but one should not become an advocate against fundamental truths."

Then he added, "With regard to all other pieces of knowledge normally ascribed to academics, there's as much academic freedom to discuss and evaluate and advocate different positions as a person will find at any other place on the earth."

A big challenge Elder Bateman sees as he approaches his term as president of BYU is the growth and applications for admission while working within the enrollment ceiling of 27,000 students. He expects that challenge to be met in various ways.

One way is to continue the graduation initiative implemented by Pres. Lee that removes impediments to students graduating in a reasonable period of time. As students graduate in a timely manner, more will have the opportunity to enroll.

Another way is by cooperating with the Church Educational System (CES) in taking advantage of technology in extending BYU's reach. He said that changes in technology will allow BYU and CES to take programs from the campus to different parts of the world. He noted, "Doors are being opened, and new technology will allow the Church and BYU to take education to people across the earth in relatively inexpensive ways in the near future."

Finally, he spoke favorably of the efforts of the Church Educational System and particularly the institute program. Institute provides a gospel foundation for students on other campuses and also for single young adults who are not students, he pointed out. "There are thousands and thousands of young men and women who are being brought into that program," Elder Bateman said.

He emphasized that BYU is a worldwide institution and in the coming years the student body will become even more diverse with greater numbers of students coming from areas outside the United States.

And because of its prominence, Elder Bateman said it is important for the school to be a community of Saints who exemplify Church principles through all of its programs including athletics, the fine arts, theater, dance and music. "We must ensure that the standards are in place and that people understand what they are."

Sister Bateman added, "It's just like a home, isn't it."

Elder and Sister Bateman are looking forward to their new home at BYU where, along with their administrative duties, they plan to love the young adults over which they preside.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Former BYU presidents

Warren Dusenberry, 1875-1876

Karl G. Maeser, 1876-1892

Benjamin Cluff Jr., 1892-1903

George H. Brimhall, 1904-1921

Franklin S. Harris, 1921-1945

Howard S. McDonald, 1945-1949

Ernest L. Wilkinson, 1949-1971

Dallin H. Oaks, 1971-1980

Jeffrey R. Holland, 1980-1989

Rex E. Lee, 1989-1995