Herbert Knight Christensen was born on August 25, 1906 in Springdale, Washington County, Utah.

His parents were Samuel Kendall Christensen, 1880-1924, and Lori Ann Gifford Christensen, 1881-1976. His parents were married December 3, 1901 in St. George, Utah.

Herbert married Lillian Anderson on December 12, 1931, in Beaver, Utah.

He earned two degrees from Brigham Young University, B.S. in 1945, and M.S. in 1948.

In 1945-46 and 1946-47 he taught Religion and Problems of Democracy at Brigham Young High School. In 1947-48 and 1948-49 he taught Social Science & English.

His son, Albert Leon Christensen, 1933-1976, graduated from BYH in the Class of 1951.

When BYH Principal A. John Clarke left to continue his education in January of 1949, Christensen was named acting principal for six months. He was then announced as the incoming Principal. He served as BYH's Twelfth Principal for less than six months, from 1949 to 1950.

Principal Christensen died unexpectedly on January 21, 1950 in Provo, Utah, from a heart attack, while serving as Principal.

He is buried in the Springdale Cemetery in Washington County, Utah.

TRIBUTE TO THE BYH PRINCIPAL
Herbert K. Christensen, 43 years of age, was assistant professor of secondary education at Brigham Young University. All who met him were impressed that he was an extraordinary individual. There is little room for regret when we realize how much life he packed into his few short years on earth. As a man of principle, outstanding leadership, and as a great teacher, he gained the admiration and respect of all who knew him. Words are merely expressions of the mind which seek to fathom the depth of the human soul. The life of Herbert K. Christensen is his real tribute.

BYU Banyan, 1950, page 418.