Born and raised in central and southern Utah, Professor Esplin served in the Italy Catania Mission before studying at Southern Utah University. He later received an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University, focusing his studies on Latter-day Saint educational history. Prior to joining Religious Education at BYU, Brother Esplin taught seminary and institute for nine years. He is the author of several books and articles on the Doctrine and Covenants, LDS educational history, and 20th century Church history. He teaches courses on the Doctrine and Covenants and researches LDS educational history and the development of Church historic sites. He and his wife Janice are the parents of four children and live in Lindon, Utah.