Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President R. Kelly Haws announced the appointment of Dr. Kristina Moleni as the dean of the Faculty of Education & Social Work. Moleni succeeds Dr. Nancy Tarawhiti, who was recently appointed as academic associate vice president. Both changes in roles will be effective on January 1, 2027.
“Dr. Moleni brings a strong background in social work and a deep commitment to supporting students, particularly Pacific Islander students and other underrepresented communities in higher education,” said Haws. “Her passion for teaching, mentorship, and service, along with her personal and professional connection to the Pacific, reflects her deep commitment to BYU–Hawaii’s mission to help develop disciples of Jesus Christ who will live and lead throughout their home countries.”
"As an alumna of BYU–Hawaii, I feel so grateful for the many mentors, experiences, and opportunities I received here,” said Moleni. “I am thankful for the people who invested in me, and I feel that it is now my turn to give back what was so generously given to me. I feel humbled and honored to serve as the next dean of the Faculty of Education & Social Work.”
Moleni earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from BYU–Hawaii in 2004. She later earned a master’s degree in social work in 2009 and a doctorate in social work in 2020, both from the University of Utah.
She joined the BYU–Hawaii faculty in 2024 as an associate professor in the Social Work program. Before returning to her alma mater, she taught in Weber State University’s bachelor’s and master’s social work programs for more than a decade. She served as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah. Moleni received awards for her teaching at both Weber State and the University of Utah.
Her research focuses on Pacific Islanders and higher education, mental health, diversity, juvenile justice, and motivational interviewing.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Moleni’s father is from Tonga and her mother is from Idaho. Her parents met at BYU–Hawaii. She and her husband, Mone, who is also from Tonga, have twin daughters, and she enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outdoors.