Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to introduce two faculty members to the BYUH ohana for the Fall 2023 Semester. Brian Stone and Paula Nonu are the new professors set to teach courses in the construction and facilities management minor. The minor currently falls under the Faculty of Math & Computing and is overseen by Dean Aaron Curtis. Anticipating the number of students enrolled in the minor to increase, the board has already approved the request to expand it into a new major, with Dr. Stone and Dr. Nonu assisting in its development.
Dr. Paula Folau Nonu was born and raised in Tonga. He graduated from Tonga High School in 1999 and moved to Hawaii as an undergraduate student at BYU–Hawaii in 2000. He served a full-time mission in San Antonio, Texas, from 2001-2002. Dr. Nonu returned to BYU–Hawaii, where he met and married his wife. He then transferred to the University of Hawaii, where he completed his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary study-focus in construction management and design. Dr. Nonu then continued his education and earned a doctorate in architecture from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa's School of Architecture.
Dr. Nonu has worked in the construction industry for 20 years and is well acquainted with residential, commercial, state, and federal construction projects. He's been married to his wife for 17 years and they are the parents of five children. He is eager to share his knowledge and experience with students at BYU–Hawaii regarding the new position.
Dr. Brian Stone was born and raised in Laie, Hawaii but moved to Utah, where he graduated from Provo High. He served a full-time mission in Antofagasta, Chile. After his service abroad, he returned to Provo, Utah, to complete his undergraduate degree in business management with an emphasis in organizational behavior and a minor in Spanish at Brigham Young University. Dr. Stone then continued his journey in education and earned a master's degree in business management from the University of Utah, with an emphasis in small business development and management.
Subsequently, Dr. Stone started a small construction company for 14 years following his graduate work. The business focused on residential, church, state, and federal contracting in Utah and Washington. He then decided to go back to school and completed his Ph.D. from Arizona State University in construction and facilities management with a research focus on organizational change management. Dr. Stone has taught in the School of Engineering and Technology at Western Illinois University for eleven years. Additionally, he's participated in research in drone technology used in project management, facilities management curriculum development, procurement and delivery systems, and failed project salvage. Dr. Stone and his wife 'Alisi Mo'unga Stone, have raised seven children together.
Excited about Dr. Paula Nonu and Dr. Brian Stone's impact on the construction and facilities management program, Isaiah Walker, Academic Vice President, said, "We are truly blessed to have such highly qualified professors join us in the fall. I anticipate they will build one of the best construction and facilities management programs in Hawaii and Oceania." Their contributions will provide valuable opportunities for students, preparing them for successful careers and shaping a brighter future. Students interested in the program can now enroll in the construction and facilities management courses.