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.
Tejada’s appointment is effective May 1, 2024. He currently serves as BYU–Hawaii’s budget director and oversees the Financial Aid & Scholarships departments, including the university’s work-study programs.
“Michael has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to lead departments and programs in aligning their administrative and financial planning with the university mission and strategic objectives,” said Kauwe. “He has strong relationships with our leadership at the commissioner's office and is well-prepared to represent BYU–Hawaii at that level. I have full confidence in Michael’s ability to take on the many critical responsibilities of this appointment.”
In expressing gratitude to Tueller, Kauwe said, “The university will forever be a better place because of Steve’s careful and critical approach to his responsibilities. He has been integral to the progress made on campus in recent years. I am grateful for his service and leadership, and I know the missionaries and Latter-day Saints in the Japan Tokyo South Mission will be blessed by the Spirit that he and Laurie bring to everything they do.”
In his new role, Tejada will lead the university’s administrative and financial efforts and oversee human resources, compliance, budgets, financial services, and customer experience.
Tejada is an alumnus of BYU–Hawaii, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He later earned a Master's of Accountancy from the University of Utah. Before coming to BYU–Hawaii in 2012, he previously worked as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche and a branch manager for the Bank of Hawaii.
Tejada has deep connections to the Laie and Kahuku communities. His grandfather, Roscoe Sorenson, was the grounds foreman at the Church College of Hawaii for many years and was also one of the first bishops called in the Laie area. Tejada attended Laie Elementary, Kahuku Elementary, and Kamehameha Schools. He and his wife, Maria, are the parents of five children.