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.
“Brandyn is an experienced leader who has proven his ability to execute campus events and activity programs at a high level,” said Kau. “He will benefit students and influence colleagues even more in this new responsibility.”
Most recently, Akana served as Seasider Sports & Activities senior manager. He has worked 24 years in higher education, 17 of which have been at BYU–Hawaii and eight years in Student Life.
While earning a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science at BYU–Hawaii, Akana was named NAIA All-American honorable mention during his senior season on the BYUH men’s basketball team. He then went on to earn a Master of Science degree in kinesiology and leisure science from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.
Akana was raised on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. He served a full-time mission in the Ohio Cleveland Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently serving as the first counselor in Hau’ula 5th Samoan Ward. Akana is married to Joselyn Akana, an admissions processing coordinator at BYU–Hawaii. They have four children: Braelyn, Keonilei, Tausili, and Tasi.
Effective immediately, Akana will replace Alison Whiting, who recently relocated to work at another school and be near her family.