David A. Bednar has replaced Steven D. Bennion as the president of Ricks College. Bennion has accepted the presidency of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.

"It's overwhelming, humbling, and exciting," Bednar said in a recent press release. "I view this as a sacred stewardship."

Prior to his appointment at Ricks, Bednar spent 20 years teaching at the University of Arkansas where he served as a management professor and associate dean for graduate studies in the College of Business Administration. Described by his former associates as one who "puts a real premium on teaching," Bednar's appointment has been well received by the Ricks College professors community.

Bednar received both bachelor's and master's degrees in communications at BYU. His LDS Church experiences include serving as a bishop, stake president, regional representative, area authority, and member of the recently organized Area Authority Seventy.