Richard Charles Neitzel Holzapfel[1] (born 1954)[2] is an American professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University (BYU) and a prolific author on topics related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
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Holzapfel was born in Blackfoot, Idaho, and moved regularly as a child, due to his father's naval career. In addition to his native town, his family resided in Southern California, Maine, and Hawaii. He attended Castle Park High School (Chula Vista, California) and graduated from York High School (York, Maine) in 1972. Holzapfel served as a missionary for the LDS Church for two years in Italy and Switzerland.
Holzapfel attended BYU, Hebrew Union College, and the University of California, Irvine, receiving his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. respectively, with an emphasis in each of the following areas: Middle Eastern Studies, Jewish History, Ancient History, American History, and Nineteenth Century American Religious History.
Holzapfel met Jeni Broberg at BYU, and they were married in an LDS temple in 1978. A year later their first child, was born. At that time, Holzapfel moved his young family to Irvine, California to pursue his doctorate at the University of California, Irvine, where he simultaneously worked for the Church Educational System (CES). His first book, Old Mormon Nauvoo 1839-1846 was released in 1990.
Holzapfel came to BYU as an assistant professor in 1993, teaching in the Church History, Ancient Scripture, and History departments. His courses then included the Honors sections of the Doctrine and Covenants and New Testament. He taught at the BYU Jerusalem Center from 1997 through 1998. He is a world traveler, often lecturing around the country and abroad.
Holzapfel currently serves as the Publications Director of the Religious Educator, a quarterly journal publication of the Religious Studies Center at BYU. In addition to teaching and filling various committee assignments at the university, Holzapfel continues a heavy research, writing, and publication agenda. He has written over 32 books and countless articles.
Holzapfel and Jeni currently reside in Springville, Utah. They have five adult children. He is a professor in the BYU Religious Education Department. Among several other callings Holzapfel has served as a bishop in the LDS Church.[3]
In 2007, Holzapfel assisted the More Good Foundation to launch Christ.org, a website intending to bring visitors closer to Jesus Christ.
In July 2010 Holzapfel began a three-year term as president of the Alabama Birmingham Mission of the LDS Church, with his wife Jeni accompanying him.[4]
Holzapfel has written numerous books, including biographies and various photographic works.
Holzapfel also edited with Thomas A. Wayment a three volume series The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ.[5]