Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Matthew Bowen as the new director of religious education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Bowen will take on this role beginning January 7.
As Aaron Shumway’s service as director concludes and he returns to teaching full time, Walker expressed gratitude for both leaders, acknowledging Shumway’s steady leadership and welcoming Bowen into the new role.
“I am grateful to Aaron Shumway for his dedicated and respected service as director of religious education and for the excellent work he has done in that role,” said Walker. “I am pleased Matthew is taking on this new role, he is an exemplary scholar and teacher, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
Bowen’s research and publications focus on biblical studies and Latter-day Saint scripture, and he is widely known for his commitment to teaching and student learning. Reflecting on his new assignment, Bowen shared his appreciation for the campus community and the mission of the university.
“The amazing students of BYU–Hawaii make teaching here the best job in the world,” said Bowen. “I am grateful for this unique opportunity to serve and collaborate with beloved Religious Education and university colleagues in helping our students become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as family, community, and church leaders. We have a prophetic vision to achieve in promoting peace internationally and in building the kingdom of God, which will require more Christlike love, commitment, and effort from all of us.”
Originally raised in Orem, Utah, Bowen earned his Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in classical studies from Brigham Young University. He later earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America and is the author and editor of several books, along with numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on ancient scripture.
Bowen has served in various Church callings, including as a bishop, and currently teaches youth Sunday School with his wife, Suzy. They are the parents of three children: Zachariah, Nathan, and Adele.
Outside of his academic and ecclesiastical work, Bowen enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, writing—including poetry—and watching movies. He loves music and playing the piano. He is an avid sports fan, following BYU athletics, the Utah Jazz, Atlanta Braves, and Washington Commanders. He enjoys trying foods from all over the world and particularly enjoys Ethiopian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine (Persian, Pakistani, and Afghani dishes are among his favorites). He is also an avid runner and can be seen often on the streets of La'ie (his favorite town on earth).