Gary Jerome Coleman (born September 18, 1941) has been a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) since 1992. Coleman was born in Wenatchee, Washington. He was raised a Roman Catholic in the Diocese of Spokane. As a student at Washington State University (WSU), Coleman was introduced to the LDS Church by John M. Madsen and Judith Renee England. At age 21, Coleman was baptized into the LDS Church by Madsen, and then married England. After graduating from WSU, Coleman went on the receive master's and doctorate degrees from Brigham Young University (BYU).