William W. Clayton, professor and associate dean at BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, spoke to students on the importance of striving for both excellence and discipleship in the BYU devotional on June 24.
Clayton shared that he began teaching at BYU in 2018, after not attending as a student. He said after years at Stanford and working as a lawyer in New York City, BYU became his home.
“The Lord works in mysterious and marvelous ways, and my path has helped me recognize and appreciate what a special place this university is,” he said.
Clayton further expounded that BYU is uniquely positioned to both “change the world and strengthen the kingdom of God at a scale and in a manner that is truly extraordinary.”
He explained that BYU encourages a “balanced development” of its students.
“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,” Clayton said. “And unlike Church institute programs and seminary programs, we can train you to excel in academic disciplines that increase the scope and scale of your impact when you go forth into the world.”
He emphasized that having this combination of both spiritual and academic emphases, across a campus of more than 35,000 students and 1,300 full-time faculty, can be a force for good and a source of strength for the Church.
“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 so we can adapt to these changes and direct them for good,” he said.
Using the analogy of a skyscraper, Clayton explained that the foundation is what determines how tall the skyscraper can be. He said that without a strong foundation, there is real danger that one will lose sight of important goals and succumb to pride.
“The deeper and stronger your spiritual foundation, the better-positioned you will be to pursue academic and professional excellence,” he said.
He offered a few words of advice for students, and ways to encourage their spiritual development both within and outside of their BYU education.
“Before anything else, I invite you to make a plan for how you will prioritize personal prayer, personal scripture study, temple attendance and meaningful service in your schedule,” he said. “Take advantage of the many opportunities BYU offers to build your faith and maintain positive spiritual momentum.”
However, Clayton emphasized the importance of not only spiritual development, but intellectual growth as well.
“The full extent of BYU’s power to transform students and change the world is only unlocked when the pursuit of discipleship is coupled with the pursuit of rigorous learning and academic excellence,” he said. “Aim high in your academic and professional goals.”
Offering words of wisdom from President Spencer W. Kimball and President Gordon B. Hinckley, Clayton illustrated that BYU students have a great responsibility to give their best effort while at BYU, in order to become “brilliant stars” in all fields of academia, and “contribute good to the world.”
He explained that he didn’t want students to feel weighed down by these expectations.
“Students, it is not my intention to weigh you down with the burden of these great expectations. Rather, I hope it excites you to be reminded of what you are capable of,” he said. “Prophets have foretold the incredible things that you and your classmates will accomplish, and there are extraordinary resources available here to aid your pursuit of academic excellence.”
He told audience members not to underestimate themselves when setting goals.
“Remember that you got into BYU, you belong here, and you can achieve great things,” Clayton said.
He explained that sometimes the pursuits of academia and discipleship are framed as being against each other. However, he explained that these pursuits can reinforce each other.
“First, when you are spiritually grounded, it helps ensure that your pursuit of academic and professional excellence is directed toward things that really matter,” he said. “Second, it’s my experience that our greatest spiritual growth usually happens when we go outside our comfort zones.”
Clayton recounted a story of when he was ending his graduate studies and had to choose where to begin his legal career. He ultimately chose to move to New York with his wife, moving thousands of miles from family and working much longer hours.
The life was demanding, but this decision eventually provided both him and his wife with opportunities to advance in their careers and strengthen their faith as they consulted with the Lord.
“Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for this choice to follow the Spirit and go outside my comfort zone by moving to New York — both for the refining effect it had on my testimony and the amplifying effect it had on my ability to have an impact,” Clayton said.
In order to understand what living a life of “excellence and discipleship” looks like in their own life, Clayton encouraged people to find examples of others who they can emulate. He illustrated this point through two mentors of his own, Elder Robert M. Daines and Paul Kerry, who both provided counsel, support and friendship to him.
“Students, if you haven’t already done so, I invite you to carefully seek out faculty mentors here at BYU. Don’t be shy about approaching them for guidance,” he said.
He further said that in his experience as a professor, he has learned how important it is to lead by example.
“Though I do it imperfectly, seeking to model both elements of the double heritage, and seeking to light a spark in you, our students, to do the same, has been my greatest privilege as a BYU faculty member,” Clayton said.
He explained that while faculty mentors are important in one’s journey, there is one mentor who exceeds and outshines all others: Jesus Christ.
“As you strive for excellence, He can help you discern which opportunities align with His purposes for your life and provide the wisdom you need to move forward with confidence,” he said. “He is the perfect mentor.”