Robert M. Wilkes was born in Afton, Wyoming. He served in the Central States Mission and upon his return he received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in history and physical education and a master’s of education degree in Educational Administration. He has served as a bishop twice, a counselor in a stake presidency, a high counselor, stake president, Regional Representative, and as president of the Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission. Brother Wilkes began his employment at BYU-Idaho in 1970 and currently serves as the institution’s Interim President.