Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Dr. Nathaniel M. Stephens as the dean of the Faculty of Business & Government. Stephens is replacing Cary Countryman who has left BYU–Hawaii and accepted a position at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the information technology field.
Stephens brings sixteen years of experience in teaching accounting at the university level. Stephens is currently a professor of accounting here at BYU–Hawaii and was formerly an associate professor at Utah State University where he served in several roles over 13 years including the accounting department curriculum committee chair, accounting department assurance of learning coordinator for accreditation, and director of the Master of Accounting program.
"His wealth of knowledge, research interests, and teaching experience make him a good fit for this position as dean at BYU–Hawaii," Walker said.
Stephens is a certified public accountant and earned both a Bachelor's of Science in accounting and a Master of Accountancy from BYU. He obtained a doctoral degree in management with an accounting emphasis from the University of Arizona.
Stephens' research focuses on the external auditor’s role in the capital markets, the market for external audit services, and corporate financial reporting quality. Stephens has been published in top accounting journals including "Review of Accounting Studies; Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory," "Accounting Horizons," "Journal of Accounting, Auditing, and Finance," and "Issues in Accounting Education."
Stephens served his mission in the Australia Sydney North Mission (Mandarin speaking) and has a great love for students from Oceania and the Asian Rim. Stephens serves as the Sunday school president in the Laie 5th Ward. He enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and spending time with his family. Stephens married Kristie Babcock, a BYU–Hawaii alumna, in 2000. Together they have five children.