Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced two leadership changes in Academics this week: Dr. Alohalani Housman as the dean of the Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts and Dr. Benjamin R. Jordan as the dean of the Faculty of Sciences. Both appointments are effective August 28.
"We are grateful to Alohalani and Benjamin for their sincere and passionate service to the university and our students," said Walker. "Please join us in expressing your appreciation and welcome them to their new assignments."
Alohalani Housman
Dr. Housman is currently an associate professor of Hawaiian studies and has an extensive education and teaching background in the Hawaiian language and culture. She was honored as the NHEA Educator of the Year in March 2008. The Hawaii State Senate awarded her in 1999, and the ʻAhahui ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi recognized her in 1993 for achievement in Hawaiian language immersion education. She received the University of Hawaii at Mānoa Education Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Leeward District Teacher of the Year Award in 1992. Housman has dedicated the last 40 years to revitalize the Hawaiian language and has been a great addition to the Hawaiian studies program at BYU–Hawaii since 2015. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the Hawaiian translation of the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. She also digitized scriptural books such as the Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the Book of Mormon in 2021 in the Hawaiian language.
She replaces Tevita Kaili who has been the dean since 2018.
Benjamin Jordan
Dr. Jordan is a professor of sciences and teaches geology, geochemistry, scientific writing, and oceanography. He obtained a bachelor's in geology from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. in oceanography and volcanology from the University of Rhode Island. Before arriving at BYU–Hawaii, he taught as an assistant professor of geology at the United Arab Emirates University (2004-2007) and as an assistant professor of geology and curator of minerals at Brigham Young University-Idaho from (2007-2012). Dr. Jordan has served as a reviewer for countless academic journals and the National Science Foundation, continuing to be an active member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Geological Society of America (GSA), and the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI). At BYU–Hawaii, he has been awarded special faculty recognition twice for his service to the university and its students.
He replaces Jess Kohlert, who has been the dean since 2019.