BYU’s Most Controversial President - Ernest Wilkinson w/ Gary Bergera | Ep. 2147

In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University from 1952 to 1971. Known for rapidly expanding BYU into a major religious university, Wilkinson was also a deeply polarizing figure whose leadership raised serious questions about race, politics, academic freedom, and loyalty within the Church. Joined by historian and longtime Signature Books publisher Gary Bergera, we explore Wilkinson’s diary collection and what it reveals about his ambitions, fears, and decisions. From alleged “spy ring”activity among faculty, to clashes with Apostle Boyd K. Packer, to his views on black students, LGBTQ+ students, and the role of capitalism in the gospel, this conversation uncovers a complex portrait of a man who helped shape modern BYU –while leaving behind a legacy still debated today. Gary Bergera has spent decades shaping Mormon historical scholarship and was a key figure in Signature Books. His work has helped bring forward documents and perspectives that continue to challenge and inform conversations today. Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/the-unt... Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:10:04 - Signature obtaining his diaries 00:21:58 - Balancing science and faith 00:27:48 - Concern for BYU 00:29:58 - Controversial topics taught by BYU professors 00:36:38 - Did Wilkinson lie about his involvement? 00:38:13 - Black students at BYU 00:43:27 - Gay and lesbian students at BYU 00:51:36 - Desire to relocate Ricks College 00:56:08 - Wilkinson’s biggest achievement 01:01:47 - Human moments 01:08:58 - Seventh East Press 01:29:20 - Influential books from Signature Books 01:34:28 - Closing remarks ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?d... Patreon:   / mormonstories   Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonsto... Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @mormonstories   Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon:   / mormonstories   ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7d... 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🖼️Instagram:   / mormstories   📱TikTok:   / mormonstoriespodcast   🎮Discord:   / discord   Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117