"Becoming BYU": Brian Radford shares why stewardship matters for students

Brian Radford BYU information technology vice president and CIO spoke to attendees at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, May 5.

Radford's remarks focused on how BYU students especially as disciples of Christ have an important stewardship over both technology and education. This stewardship, Radford stressed, is part of "Becoming BYU."

He began by explaining how the meaning behind the phrase "Becoming BYU" is twofold.

"We gather here not only as scholars and seekers of knowledge but as disciples of Jesus Christ, committed to the principles that undergird this great institution," Radford said. "What are you becoming at BYU, and what will you do with what you are learning here?"

As a technology professional, Radford shared insights on artificial intelligence and how it can be used as a tool for good.

"Artificial intelligence tools can help us understand complicated topics ... but the deeper question is not just what they can do. It is what kind of people we will be as we use them in our lives, our study and our work," he said.

Later, quoting Joshua in the Old Testament, Radford discussed how reaching for Christ helps students become competent users of technological tools.

"Joshua did not say, 'As for me and my house, we will see how things go.' He said, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,'" Radford said.

During his presentation, Radford showed images of students and animals.

He then asked the audience to pick which image was generated by artificial intelligence.

Radford ended the exercise with a twist.

"As some of you have already guessed, all of these photos were AI-generated ... I show these examples because powerful tools make it easier than ever to blur truth, cut corners or avoid the very growth the Lord is trying to make available to each of us," Radford said.

Artificial intelligence, Radford said, is a tool that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes can be used for good.

If technological tools such as AI are to be used for good, then principles must precede pressure.

"As the Church started to expand their use of machine learning and artificial intelligence more deliberately, leaders established guiding principles ... Why did they do that? Because when a tool is powerful, principles should come before pressure," Radford said.

These principles include, but are not limited to, using artificial intelligence in ways that uplift and maintain the integrity, ethics, values and standards of the Church.

"The Church defined these principles to govern use of such powerful tools before the pressures emerged," Radford said.

He then shared the story of Esther as an example of defending her people and her stewardship.

"When her people were in peril, Mordecai reminded her, 'Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' (Esther 4:14). Esthers courage to stand alone and speak out saved her people," Radford said.

Radford applied the story of Esther to the modern-day BYU student.

"You, too, are being prepared for 'such a time as this.' Your studies, your experiences, and your faith are all part of the Lord's plan to make you instruments in His hands," Radford said.

Further expounding upon the theme of courage in the course of stewardship, Radford shared examples of Marie Curie and George Washington Carver.

"Whether you are an engineer adhering to safety and innovation standards, an artist using your talents to uplift or an educator shaping young minds, your work is consecrated when guided by principles that reflect your faith," Radford said.

Pivoting to Christ's role, he encouraged students to trust in the Savior's plan for their education and lives.

"The Savior will help you, because He knows you, He loves you and He wants you to succeed," Radford said.

Radford then concluded by discussing the dual purpose of a BYU education.

"Seek not only to master your chosen field of study but also to understand how your knowledge can bless others. Ask yourself: How can I use what I am learning to build the kingdom of God?" Radford said.