Dallin H. Oaks serves as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He took on this role on October 14, 2025, after the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. At 93 years old, President Oaks brings a lifetime of experience in law, education, and church service to his position. His story shows how hard work, faith, and learning can shape a person into a leader who guides millions.
Born on August 12, 1932, in Provo, Utah, Dallin Harris Oaks grew up in a time of challenges like the Great Depression and World War II. His full name includes “Harris” from his mother’s family side. He learned early about responsibility and faith from his parents. His father, Lloyd E. Oaks, worked as an eye doctor but died young. His mother, Stella Harris Oaks, showed strength by raising her family alone while studying and working.
President Oaks has lived a life that mixes professional success with deep religious commitment. Before full-time church work, he was a lawyer, judge, and university president. He clerked for the U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren from 1957 to 1958. He taught law at the University of Chicago from 1961 to 1971. Then, he led Brigham Young University as president from 1971 to 1980. In 1980, he joined the Utah Supreme Court as a justice, serving until 1984.
His church service started early with local roles, like stake president in Chicago during the 1960s. On April 7, 1984, President Spencer W. Kimball called him to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He later served as First Counselor in the First Presidency under Presidents Thomas S. Monson from 2008 to 2018 and Russell M. Nelson from 2018 to 2025. Now, as church president, he focuses on teachings about Jesus Christ, family, and religious freedom.
President Oaks has written books and articles on law and religion. One key book is his autobiography, “In the Hands of the Lord,” published in 2020. He received the Canterbury Medal in 2013 for defending religious liberty. His messages often stress balancing truth with kindness. For example, in his first public talk as president on February 10, 2026, at Brigham Young University, he spoke about coming closer to Jesus Christ through humility and service.
This article looks at his life to help readers understand his path. It covers his early years, education, career, family, and more. By learning about President Oaks, people can see how faith and effort lead to a meaningful life. His example encourages others to seek truth, love their families, and serve God. In a world full of changes, his steady approach offers guidance for many.
Dallin H. Oaks Early Life and Family Background
Dallin H. Oaks was born on August 12, 1932, in Provo, Utah. This small city, known for its ties to Brigham Young University, provided a quiet start for him. His parents, Lloyd E. Oaks and Stella Harris Oaks, raised him in a home focused on education and faith. Lloyd worked as an eye surgeon, helping people with vision problems. Stella came from a family with strong roots in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Tragedy struck early when Dallin was just seven years old. His father died from tuberculosis on June 1, 1940. This loss changed the family forever. Stella had to support her three children: Dallin, his brother Merrill, and his sister Evelyn. She showed great strength. She went back to school, earning a graduate degree from Columbia University in 1945. Later, she worked as Provo’s director of adult education and became the first woman on the city council in 1955.
The family moved to Vernal, Utah, in 1942, where Stella took a teaching job. There, young Dallin learned about hard work on a farm. He helped with chores like milking cows and harvesting crops. These tasks built his sense of duty. During World War II, from 1941 to 1945, he saw how the war affected daily life, with rationing and community efforts.
Dallin found interest in radio at a young age. By 11, in 1943, he earned his ham radio license. This skill led to his first job at a radio station in Vernal. He announced programs and even read news. This experience taught him clear communication, a skill he uses today in his speeches.
His mother played a big role in his growth. Stella served in church positions, like stake Relief Society president from 1950 to 1955. She encouraged her children to study and serve. Dallin attended church meetings and learned gospel principles. These early lessons shaped his views on family and faith.
Growing up without a father was tough, but it made Dallin resilient. He looked up to his uncles and church leaders for guidance. His brother Merrill, born in 1936, shared many adventures with him. Merrill later became a church leader too but passed away in December 2024 at age 88. Evelyn, the youngest, completed the close-knit family.
In high school at Uintah High in Vernal, Dallin excelled in studies and activities. He graduated in 1950. These years built his foundation. His early life taught him that challenges can lead to growth. Today, he often shares stories from his youth to inspire others, showing how faith helps overcome hardship.
Dallin H. Oaks Education
Dallin H. Oaks pursued education with focus and drive. After high school graduation in 1950, he enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. There, he studied accounting and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1954. While at BYU, he balanced classes with work and military service. He joined the Utah National Guard in 1951, serving during the Korean War period until 1954. This unit stayed on alert but did not deploy overseas.
His time at BYU sparked interest in law. He met professors who encouraged deeper thinking. In 1954, he moved to the University of Chicago Law School. This top school challenged him. He graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1957, earning honors for his strong performance.
At Chicago, he learned about constitutional law and legal principles. His studies included cases on rights and justice. This knowledge later helped in his career and church talks. He served as editor of the University of Chicago Law Review from 1956 to 1957, showing his skill in writing and analysis.
Education did not stop with law school. Throughout his life, Oaks continued learning. He read books on history, religion, and law. As a professor later, he taught others, which deepened his own understanding.
His academic path opened doors. Right after graduation in 1957, he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren until 1958. This role let him see major cases up close, like those on civil rights.
Oaks values education for all. In his teachings, he urges young people to study hard. He believes learning helps serve God and others better. His own journey shows how education can lead to leadership.
Dallin H. Oaks Career
Dallin H. Oaks built a strong career in law, education, and church service. He started in law after his clerkship with Chief Justice Earl Warren from 1957 to 1958. He joined a law firm in Chicago, practicing from 1958 to 1961. There, he handled cases on business and rights.
In 1961, he became a professor at the University of Chicago Law School. He taught until 1971, focusing on constitutional law. Students respected his clear lessons. He wrote articles on legal topics, like religious freedom. He served as interim dean in 1969.
A big change came in 1971 when he became president of Brigham Young University. He led until 1980. During this time, BYU grew. Enrollment rose from 25,000 to over 30,000 students. He started new programs, like the J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1974. He worked to blend faith with learning. Challenges included campus debates on rights and roles for women in the 1970s.
In 1980, Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson appointed him to the Utah Supreme Court. He served as a justice until 1984. On the court, he wrote opinions on cases about laws and rights. His work showed fairness and deep thought.
His church career overlapped. Early on, he held local roles. In the 1960s, he was stake president in Chicago. He served as regional representative from 1970 to 1971.
The shift to full-time church work happened on April 7, 1984. President Spencer W. Kimball called him to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This role meant traveling worldwide to teach and lead.
From 2002 to 2004, he presided over the Philippines Area, living in Manila. He helped build temples and strengthen members.
On May 3, 2008, President Thomas S. Monson set him apart as First Counselor in the First Presidency. He served until January 3, 2018. Then, on January 14, 2018, President Russell M. Nelson chose him as First Counselor again. He also became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As counselor, he spoke at general conferences on topics like family and freedom. He co-authored the Family Proclamation in 1995.
On October 14, 2025, after President Nelson’s death, Oaks became the 18th church president. In his first address on February 10, 2026, at BYU, he taught about humility and Christ.
His career shows service in many fields. He defended religious liberty, earning the Canterbury Medal on May 16, 2013. He wrote books like “The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction” in 1998.
Oaks’ path teaches that skills from one area help in others. His legal mind aids in clear gospel teaching. Today, he leads with wisdom from decades of work.
Dallin H. Oaks Family Life
Family sits at the heart of Dallin H. Oaks’ life. He married June Dixon on June 24, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. They met at Brigham Young University. June supported him through school and early jobs. They raised six children: Sharmon, Cheri, Lloyd, Dallin D., TruAnn, and Jenny.
The family faced joys and trials. They moved often for work, from Chicago to Provo. June helped with church duties. She passed away from cancer on July 21, 1998, after 46 years of marriage.
Oaks grieved but found comfort in faith. On August 25, 2000, he married Kristen M. McMain in the Salt Lake Temple. Kristen, a teacher and writer, brought warmth. Together, they blend families. As of October 2025, they have 29 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Oaks teaches about eternal families. He stresses love and time together. Stories from his life show this, like family trips and talks.
His children recall his humor and care. Daughter Sharmon Oaks Ward notes his laughter and presence. He balances work with home life.
In teachings, he promotes the Family Proclamation from September 23, 1995. It outlines God’s plan for families. Oaks lives these principles, showing devotion to spouse and children.
Family life fuels his ministry. He urges others to strengthen bonds through faith and service.
Conclusion
Dallin H. Oaks’ life offers lessons in faith, work, and love. From his early days in Utah to leading the church as president since October 14, 2025, he shows steady growth. His path includes education, law, university leadership, and apostleship. At 93, he guides with wisdom.
FAQs
How old is Dallin H. Oaks?
Dallin H. Oaks turned 93 on August 12, 2025. Born in 1932, he remains active in his role as church president.
Who is Dallin H. Oaks’ wife?
His current wife is Kristen M. McMain Oaks, married since August 25, 2000. His first wife, June Dixon Oaks, passed away in 1998.
How many children does Dallin H. Oaks have?
He has six children from his marriage to June: Sharmon, Cheri, Lloyd, Dallin D., TruAnn, and Jenny.
What did Dallin H. Oaks do for a living?
Before full-time church service, he worked as a lawyer, law professor, university president, and Utah Supreme Court justice.
Is Dallin H. Oaks a lawyer?
Yes, he earned a law degree in 1957 and practiced law, taught it, and served as a judge.
What is Dallin H. Oaks known for?
He is known for his church leadership, defense of religious freedom, teachings on family, and legal expertise. As president, he focuses on Christ-centered living.