Welcome to the recent speeches podcast presented by BYU speeches

featuring inspiring new devotional and forums given each week on BYU campus.

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Years ago, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant for a beloved BYU professor who had

recently begun serving as academic vice president.

One day when I reported to his office for our regular research

meeting he regretfully told me that he needed to reschedule. Something urgent

had arisen requiring his immediate attention.

As I retrace my steps down the northeast corridor of the third floor of the administration

building, I thought about this good man, about the long hours he worked, the endless meetings he attended,

and the administered that wrenched him away from the worlds he loved,

the worlds of teaching and writing, language and literature, history and ideas.

I don't really know what an academic vice president does, I thought to myself,

but I never want that job.

Friends and colleagues I'm delighted to greet you at the start of another school year.

Something there is in the pre-autom air that stirs the soul and tingles the spine

with a sense that school is about to begin.

I'm grateful to renew this annual adventure with all of you.

We offer a special welcome to the 108 new faculty members who have joined us since January.

Will you please stand so we can welcome you with warm applause? Thank you.

for choosing among many attractive options to join us here at BYU.

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