Touching Lives at BYU-Idaho and Across the World: The Twitchell Legacy

October 2024

Kevin and Leslie Twitchell’s story is one of faith, service, and deep love for the students and community at BYU-Idaho. Having both served missions in their youth, Kevin in New Zealand and Leslie in Brazil, their lives have been shaped by a desire to serve God and others. That dedication carried them through three senior missions and directed their professional careers at BYU-Idaho, and a lifetime of helping students achieve their potential.

A Divine Call to BYU-Idaho

In December 1997, Kevin Twitchell was prompted by the Spirit to send his resume to Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho). Despite initial hesitations due to financial concerns and his background in computer science rather than information systems, Kevin heeded the prompting. As he moved forward with the process, he was invited to interview for both information systems and computer science positions, despite feeling little desire for the former. Following a series of interviews, including one with President David A. Bednar, Kevin was offered the computer science position, which had not even been created when he first felt the prompting to apply.

Kevin’s faith in the Lord’s direction led him to teach computer science at BYU-Idaho for 20 years, a role that allowed him to touch countless students’ lives. “Professors are paid very little, but I figured if the Lord wanted me to be at BYU-Idaho, He would be responsible for my finances,” Kevin said. His trust in the Lord proved true, as he not only provided for his family but also created opportunities to give back to the students.

Leslie's Impact on Campus

Leslie Twitchell’s journey to BYU-Idaho began in a similarly inspired way. A certified school librarian, she learned of an opening in the university’s library, where she worked for 15 years until her retirement in 2016. Leslie thrived in her work, balancing her professional responsibilities with raising their four children. Her dedication to helping students, whether through reference work or digitization projects, left a lasting impact on the campus community. “The students were always a delight to work with,” she reflected. “They are wonderful.”

Leslie’s love for teaching extended beyond the library. After earning her second degree in her 40s and working as a school librarian at Idaho Falls High School for five years, she embraced her role at BYU-Idaho with joy and enthusiasm. “Working with students was the highlight for both of us. It’s what we miss the most,” she said, underscoring the deep connection the Twitchell’s felt with the campus community.

Continued Service Through Missions

The Twitchells’ love for service didn’t stop with their work at BYU-Idaho. After retiring, they embarked on three senior missions together, serving at the Atlanta Georgia Temple, the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, and the Church History Library in Salt Lake City. These experiences allowed them to continue making a difference in people’s lives, including reconnecting with former students who had gone on to serve in leadership roles in the Church.

While in Johannesburg, Leslie had a touching encounter with a former BYU-Idaho student who recognized her and shared how much her help meant during their time at the university. Kevin also reflected on these connections, sharing how one of his former students is now serving as a stake president in Zambia. These moments of reunion and seeing the growth of their former students have been particularly rewarding for the Twitchells.

A Legacy of Giving

The Twitchells’ commitment to helping students succeed didn’t end with their professional careers. They endowed three funds at BYU-Idaho: the Computer Science Grant-in-Aid, the Software Engineering Scholarship, and a STEM Scholarship. Their goal was simple: to help students who, like many, sacrifice so much to attend BYU-Idaho.

As charter members of BYU-Idaho’s Legacy Society, the Twitchells have made it clear to their family how they plan to give back to the university that has meant so much to them. “We wanted to help the students since so many of them give up so much to be at BYU-Idaho,” Kevin said. “We are happy to give back the funds the Lord entrusted us with to give part of our inheritance to BYU-Idaho. Joining the Legacy Society sounded like a great idea, it gives us the chance to help more students.”

A Life of Faith and Family

Kevin and Leslie met at BYU in a dance club and have been inseparable ever since. Together, they’ve raised four children—two boys and two girls—and are now proud grandparents to seven grandchildren. Family and faith have always been at the center of their lives, and they have continually sought ways to strengthen both while contributing to the lives of others.

Today, Kevin continues to serve in his community, holding a calling as an assistant stake clerk in a BYU-Idaho YSA Stake. Both Kevin and Leslie continue to be a part of the university, with Kevin regularly visiting the campus on Sundays and reconnecting with former students who fondly remember their time with him.

For the Twitchells, their journey has always been about following the promptings of the Spirit, trusting in God’s plan, and giving back to the students and community that have meant so much to them. Their lives are a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and the lasting impact of service.