Podcast Summary: BYU Speeches – "Answering the Dual Calls for Academic Excellence and Discipleship"

Speaker: William W. Clayton
Date: June 25, 2025

Overview

In this devotional address, William W. Clayton, Associate Dean at BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, explores how Brigham Young University is uniquely positioned to change the world by fostering both academic excellence and discipleship among students. Clayton draws from his personal journey, prophetic counsel, and BYU’s mission to provide practical invitations and inspiring stories, challenging listeners to rise to the dual heritage of BYU: excelling in both scholarship and spiritual growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Special Nature of BYU and Its "Double Heritage"

• First Impressions and Personal Journey:
  Clayton reflects on his journey from a Stanford athlete and outsider—often losing to BYU in volleyball (03:15)—to becoming a BYU faculty member and feeling at home in a community where spiritual and academic pursuits are uniquely combined.

  • Quote: “It didn’t take me long to love being a BYU professor and to feel like I’d found a home here.” (05:25)

• A Unique Mission:
  BYU’s mission is different from either secular universities or church seminaries. The university’s power arises from combining rigorous academic training with spiritual growth, enabling students to have greater impact in the world and the Church.

  • “Unlike secular universities, at BYU we can light within you, our students, the fire of testimony and a commitment to serving the Lord and His children... We can train you to excel in academic disciplines that increase the scope and scale of your impact.” (07:43)

• The "Double Heritage":
  Referencing President Spencer W. Kimball, he describes BYU’s mandate as requiring both “excellence in scholarship” and “literacy in the language of spiritual things.” This dual heritage has become a top university priority under President Shane Reese (10:40).

2. The Importance of Excelling in a Rapidly Changing World

• Technological Change as Context:
  Citing rapid adoption timelines for technologies like ChatGPT (100 million users in 60 days) and Threads, Clayton asserts that the stakes of BYU’s dual heritage are higher than ever (12:00).
  • “The rapid pace of technological advancement… has given these platforms unprecedented influence over our lives... Now more than ever, if BYU graduates are going to bless the world, we must aspire even higher in our learning and anchor our spiritual identities even more firmly.” (13:20)

3. Two Practical Invitations for BYU Students

A. Establish and Maintain a Rock-Solid Foundation of Faith (15:00)

• Faith forms the essential base for any achievement. Clayton likens it to the unseen foundation of a skyscraper.
• Quote: “Nothing you do here at BYU will be more important than working to establish and maintain a rock solid foundation of faith, testimony and covenant keeping.” (16:10)
• He encourages daily habits: prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, and service.

B. Aim High in Academic and Professional Goals (18:30)

• BYU’s potential is only realized when discipleship is coupled with the pursuit of excellence.
• Cites prophetic calls (Presidents Kimball and Hinckley) for BYU graduates to become leading contributors in their fields.
• Quote: “You are good, but it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world.” – President Hinckley (20:50)

4. Dispelling the Myth: Tension Between Discipleship and Excellence

• Clayton addresses concerns about balancing faith with ambition and effort:

  • Quote: “My experience is that these pursuits can actually reinforce each other in important ways when we keep our eyes single to the glory of God.” (23:05)

• Spiritual Grounding Guides Excellence:
  Faith ensures our work is meaningful and aligned with service, not just self-interest.

5. Personal Story: Growing Through Discomfort and Faith

• Clayton shares his own experience choosing to start his legal career in New York over a more comfortable option, following spiritual promptings (25:20).
  • This decision led to both family and professional growth, enhanced testimony, and new opportunities to serve—demonstrating how the Lord magnifies our efforts when we act with faith.
• Quote: “Our nearly 10 year stay in the New York City area... was a sacred experience for our family. It was not easy or comfortable. I worked longer hours than I had ever worked before, but I also prayed harder than ever and I saw the Lord extend His hand to our family in many tangible ways...” (26:50)

6. The Power of Mentorship and Faculty Influence

• Mentoring Examples:
  Clayton describes mentors who modeled academic/professional excellence and discipleship, including Elder Robert M. Daines (Stanford Law) and Dr. Paul Carey (BYU History/ICLRS), illustrating the powerful impact of such role models (29:45).
• Invitation to Seek Mentors:
  He urges students to approach faculty for guidance and to seek those who embody BYU's double heritage (31:10).
• Faculty’s Sacred Responsibility:
  “The faculty-student relationship at BYU is a sacred relationship and a sacred and distinct opportunity for faculty to help strengthen the church and deepen the impact our graduates are having in the world.” (32:35)
• Quote: “If I’m going to be an effective mentor in the Double heritage approach, I need to lead by example... I can only hope to inspire my students to reach for the stars and pursue academic and professional excellence if I am seeking to excel academically and professionally myself...” (33:30)

7. Christ: The Ultimate Mentor and Model

• Clayton closes by centering everything on Jesus Christ, the perfect mentor in both excellence and discipleship:
  • Quote: “Jesus Christ is the perfect example of one who achieved excellence while maintaining perfect discipleship to His Father... His path is the most excellent path.” (35:15)
• He expresses a strong testimony of the Savior’s role in guiding the individual journey toward both faith and achievement (36:30).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On BYU’s Distinct Mission:
  “BYU is uniquely positioned to change the world and strengthen the Kingdom of God at a scale and in a manner that is truly extraordinary.” (06:55)
• Prophetic Vision:
  “President Spencer W. Kimball called these dual calls for academic excellence and spiritual literacy BYU's double heritage.” (10:30)
• Grounding and Growth:
  “Our greatest spiritual growth usually happens when we go outside our comfort zones.” (24:00)
• On Christ as Mentor:
  “He is the perfect mentor. I testify that he lives, he loves you, and he wants you to prepare yourself here at BYU so you can give the very best you have to assist in his work.” (36:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:15 – Overcoming outsider status and finding home at BYU
• 07:43 – Uniqueness of BYU’s dual heritage
• 13:20 – The growing need for spiritually anchored leaders in a tech-driven world
• 15:00 – Invitation: Build a strong faith foundation
• 18:30 – Invitation: Pursue academic and professional excellence
• 23:05 – How discipleship and ambition reinforce each other
• 25:20 – Story: Choosing discomfort and faith in New York
• 29:45 – The impact of spiritual and academic mentors
• 35:15 – Jesus Christ as the model of excellence and discipleship
• 36:50 – Closing testimony of faith and call to action

Conclusion

William W. Clayton’s address is a rousing call for BYU students to embrace both spiritual and academic growth with equal vigor, making use of BYU’s unique setting to become both exemplary disciples and leaders in their professions. He encourages foundational faith, ambitious striving, seeking out mentoring relationships, and relying ultimately on Christ as the perfect mentor and guide.