The University of Utah bestowed an honorary doctorate on Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Apostle was one of three honorary degree recipients during the university’s general commencement ceremony (the others were Clark Ivory and Meeche White).
“Honorary degrees recognize individuals whose work has created lasting, measurable impact,” said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. “Clark, Ronald and Meeche have built, led and served in ways that strengthen communities, expand opportunity and change lives. They represent the kind of leadership we hope our graduates will carry forward, grounded in purpose, driven by innovation and committed to serving others.”
A Career Path Guided by Prayer
Elder Rasband attended the University of Utah in the 1970s but left before completing his degree after Jon Huntsman Sr. offered him a senior marketing position at his company. The future Apostle hesitated to accept the job offer. He and his wife, Melanie, prayed and sought counsel from close loved ones and friends.
“The most important advice to me was from my sweet wife, Melanie. I remember her saying, ‘Isn’t this what people go to college for, to find an opportunity like this one?’ What a partner, what a help-mate!” Elder Rasband previously told a gathering of university students. “We are a team, and that night was a good example of the full partnership that we have in our marriage. I sincerely recommend that to each of you. Whether you are currently married or awaiting marriage, have it be a full and complete partnership. The Spirit confirmed our decision, and I took the job in Ohio.”
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In addition to Ohio, the job would also take the Rasbands to Connecticut, New Jersey and Salt Lake City. In 1987, he was named president and chief operating officer of the company — a title he held until he and Sister Rasband were called to lead the New York New York North Mission in 1996.
Coming Full Circle
For an Apostle who has served as a General Authority for more than 26 years, returning to his alma mater to receive this recognition is a significant milestone. He said the honor — received in the Jon M. Huntsman Center — feels like “coming full circle.”
“This is very humbling,” he said. “For the University of Utah to offer me an honorary doctorate means so much because I had to leave when I was within sight of getting my degree.”
This is the second honorary degree for the Utah native. In 1995, he received an honorary Doctor of Business and Commerce from Utah Valley University.
Reflecting on his path, Elder Rasband admitted he has occasionally joked about being a “college dropout,” but noted that a small part of his heart always felt that side of his life was “deficient.”
“Even though I was given a great opportunity to go with the great entrepreneur, Jon Huntsman, I have always had a little bit of a sad part of my heart,” he said.
Elder Rasband encouraged the graduating class to lead with kindness.
“Look for the good in people,” he said. “Build up their good points and you’ll always be blessed in return by how you treat people with love.”