Richard E. Bennett is a professor of Church history and doctrine and Church history editor for BYU Studies at Brigham Young University. He is a well-respected career historian who has written several books and numerous articles on nineteenth-century Latter-day Saint history.

Born in Ontario, Canada, he holds a Ph.D. in American history from Wayne State University. Before joining the BYU faculty in 1997, he was head of the Department of Archives and Special Collections at the University of Manitoba for twenty years.

Brother Bennett has served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a stake president, stake mission preside, and regional director of public affairs. He and his wife, Patricia, are the parents of five children.