Announcements

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Rosalind “Rose” Ram as library director effective at the end of the Spring 2024 Semester. Ram previously served as the university’s associate academic vice president of curriculum and assessment and in various capacities for nearly 35 years.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its fall 2024 devotional speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced two leadership changes in Academics this week: Dr. Brent Green as the associate academic vice president for accreditation, assessment, and curriculum and Dr. Nancy Tarawhiti as the dean of the Faculty of Education & Social Work. Both appointments are effective August 16.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Dr. Charles Bradshaw as the dean of the Faculty of Arts & Letters.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III announced today that Scott Stiles will serve as the president’s chief of staff. Stiles will begin working in this new role on August 1.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii will discontinue authorizing post-completion academic training effective June 28, 2025, after the Spring 2025 Semester. This change will better align with the university's mission and simplify students' participation in the U.S. Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program.

BYU–Hawaii is updating the campus to further support students in their academic journey. One major building that will undergo renovations in the near future is the Joseph F. Smith Library. The library stands at the center of every student’s life on campus. Because of its significance, BYU–Hawaii has taken various measures to ensure the library’s transition period during renovations is as seamless as possible.

As part of an unprecedented and historic investment that will renew the university’s buildings and infrastructure for the next 50 years, progress continues in preparation for the new McKay building project, with construction slated to begin in the summer 2025.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Administrative Vice President Steve Tueller has named Heina Hanohano as budget director. Hanohano will replace Michael Tejada, who was appointed to administration vice president. Both Hanohano and Tejada will assume their new positions effective May 1, 2024. Hanohano currently serves as BYU–Hawaii’s housing business administrator, and oversees the Housing Operations department.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its spring 2024 devotional schedule. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Administrative Vice President Steve Tueller has named Scott Stiles as the new chief customer experience officer in the Office of Customer Experience. In this position, Stiles will play a critical role in the newly created department and its efforts to improve the experience of students and employees as they interact with BYU–Hawaii.

President John S. K. Kauwe III announced, following approval from the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees, the appointment of Michael Tejada as the administrative vice president. Tejada will replace Steve Tueller, who is retiring to serve as a mission president after 30 years of service in the Church Educational System.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the V. Napua Baker Award, the Sione Feinga Award, the President's Appreciation Awards, and the Exemplary Employee Awards. These awards acknowledge exceptional employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to their roles within the university.

Student Life Vice President Jonathan Kala Kau announced the appointment of Brandyn Akana as the new director of campus life. In this role, Akana will oversee the Ho’okahua department, which includes Residential Life, Seasider Sports & Activities, and Student Leadership & Service.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its winter 2024 devotional speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Steven W. Tueller has announced his intention to step down from his position as administrative vice president in May of next year. This decision is in anticipation of him and his wife, Laurie, preparing to preside over a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The location of their assignment has yet to be determined and will be announced by the Church next spring. Steve has worked at Brigham Young University–Hawaii for 17 years. 

Brigham Young University–Hawaii will expand its solar energy collection and storage with a second phase of its renewable energy system project. After completion, BYU–Hawaii will have more than enough energy collection to serve the entire university's needs. The renewable system will also be able to provide electricity to its neighboring sister institutions, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Laie Hawaii Temple.

As previously announced, the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees has committed to making an unprecedented investment in the future of BYU–Hawaii. This investment will renew the university’s buildings and infrastructure for the next 50 years. The BYU–Hawaii President’s Council is grateful to be entrusted with this stewardship and committed to fulfilling it righteously. “Planning for and building the university of the future is an exciting and complex endeavor," said Kevin Schlag, operations vice president. "We are blessed to have the Board of Trustees fully engaged in discussions and decision-making at every stage of this process.”