Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Rosalind “Rose” Ram as library director effective at the end of the Spring 2024 Semester. Ram previously served as the university’s associate academic vice president of curriculum and assessment and in various capacities for nearly 35 years.
"Rose has been a tremendous asset to the institution as the associate academic vice president overseeing curriculum, assessment, and accreditation. Most recently, she successfully directed our application for accreditation with NWCCU. Although Rose began her career at BYUH in the library, she is now returning as its new director. We appreciate those who have previously led the library and look forward to Rose's leadership in this role,” notes Isaiah Walker, academic vice president.
Born and raised in Inalåhan, Guam, Ram left her hometown to pursue higher education at the Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. Raised Catholic, Ram was converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1982 during her time in Arizona. She came to BYUH in the fall of 1982 which greatly influenced her to a mission service in the California Los Angeles Mission from 1983 to 1985 and a 14-month district mission in Guam from 1985 to 1986.
Ram then pursued an education at BYU–Hawaii, graduating with a TESOL degree in December 1989. She also obtained a master's degree in library and information studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1993. During her studies, Ram worked at the university library, which helped finance her graduate education and solidified her passion for library sciences. She was subsequently hired at BYU–Hawaii in January 1994, holding numerous roles such as cataloger, outreach/liaison librarian, and Pacific Islands research librarian, among others. During her tenure as AAVP, she pursued and completed a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California (2014-2018).
Rose is married to Tulsi Ram, with whom she has three children and seven grandchildren. She loves to spend her time as a temple ordinance worker at the Laie Hawaii Temple, as well as cooking and, if given the opportunity, research.
“I chose to return to the library because I just love the library organization. I love what it means to be a librarian,” shares Ram. “The ‘secret sauce’ to my success here at BYU–Hawaii, whether as a student, faculty member, or administrator, is having the Lord with me in my journey.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Ram is known for her commitment to preserving and promoting Pacific Island culture and history. She has been involved in various initiatives, including the "In Her Own Voice: Pacific Islander Women Speak" oral history project and the establishment of the Hawaiian Quilt Collection at the Joseph F. Smith Library. Her efforts have been recognized through numerous presentations and publications that highlight the unique experiences and contributions of Pacific Islanders.