Degree Name

Department

Sociology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2025-02-26

Publication Date

2025-03-19

First Faculty Advisor

Barbara Morgan Gardner

First Faculty Reader

Scott Sanders

Honors Coordinator

Michael Cope

Keywords

leadership, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Young Women, women in leadership

Abstract

In 2008, Elaine Dalton was called as the 13th General Young Women’s President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During her five-year service, the Young Women’s program experienced a renewed emphasis on virtue and temple worship. These changes were remarkable for their innovation and implementation, showcasing the incredible leadership that women provide in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As Church programs continue to adapt and evolve, understanding these changes and their history is essential to recognizing how women engage at the highest levels of Church leadership in guiding their programs.