Steven D. Bennion

Steven D. Bennion (born 1941) has served as president of Snow College, Ricks College, and Southern Utah University. Most recently, he was president of the New York New York City South Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Bennion was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He served a mission for the LDS Church in Scotland and earned a bachelors degree from the University of Utah. He married Marjorie Hopkins in the Salt Lake Temple in 1963. Bennion went to Cornell University where he earned a MPA degree. Following this he worked for the state of Wisconsin and then the University of Wisconsin in budget positions. He also received an Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.

During his tenure at Ricks College, Bennion prepared the college for the future as computer access for students was expanded. The “fast track” program was developed to allow more students to attend. As a result of that program, student enrollment increased to 8,250 students. The John Taylor Building was constructed, the first new building on campus in 17 years.

Bennion left Ricks College to preside over Southern Utah University. In 2006, Bennion left Southern Utah University to preside over the New York New York City South Mission. He began his duties as mission president on July 1, 2006 and served through July 1, 2009.

Bennion is the grandson of prominent Utah educator Milton Bennion, who served as the first president of what would later become Southern Utah University.

In addition to being a mission president, Bennion has also served in the LDS Church as a bishop and a member of a stake presidency. In 2013 Bennion was called to serve as president of the Manhattan New York Temple.

References

• BYU-Idaho bio of Bennion