Announcements

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its winter 2024 devotional speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Steven W. Tueller has announced his intention to step down from his position as administrative vice president in May of next year. This decision is in anticipation of him and his wife, Laurie, preparing to preside over a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The location of their assignment has yet to be determined and will be announced by the Church next spring. Steve has worked at Brigham Young University–Hawaii for 17 years. 

Brigham Young University–Hawaii will expand its solar energy collection and storage with a second phase of its renewable energy system project. After completion, BYU–Hawaii will have more than enough energy collection to serve the entire university's needs. The renewable system will also be able to provide electricity to its neighboring sister institutions, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Laie Hawaii Temple.

Principle-based changes to Student Ecclesiastical Endorsements, the Honor Code, and Dress and Grooming Standards provide consistency across the Church Educational System

Two new employees, psychologist Mich Suyama, and clinical counselor Kaeokalei Alo, have joined BYU–Hawaii's Counseling Services to start the new school year.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its fall 2023 devotional speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii will no longer collect an international processing fee from incoming international students effective Monday, August 14. Currently, international students must pay an international processing fee before starting their visa application process. This change will help incoming students by eliminating a step in their application process and will greatly reduce unnecessary administrative overhead at the university.

BYU–Hawaii Advancement Vice President Laura Tevaga announced the hire of Kathy Pulotu as the new senior manager of institutional research.

With approval from the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees, BYU–Hawaii is delighted to unveil proposed plans for the new campus welcome center, which includes the preservation and display of significant portions of the McKay mosaic.

Leialoha Benson has been hired as an advisor in the Office of Honor. This is a new full-time position recently created for the department.

Plans are underway for Iosepa, a traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe, to return to the sea. BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) are partnering together to sail the 57-foot waʻa kaulua once again.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced hiring Bruce Duerden as a visiting professor in the Theatre Program for the 2023-2024 academic year.

BYU–Hawaii Operations Vice President Kevin Schlag announced the hire of Sam Merrick as the new director of Facilities Management. In this role, Merrick will oversee Grounds, Property Services, Maintenance, and other areas in FM.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Administrative Vice President Steve Tueller has named Mark Fitzgerald as the new chief compliance officer in the Office of Compliance & Ethics. In this position, Fitzgerald will manage and oversee programs and activities for establishing standards and implementing procedures to help leaders and managers ensure the university’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to introduce two faculty members to the BYUH ohana for the Fall 2023 Semester. Brian Stone and Paula Nonu are the new professors set to teach courses in the construction and facilities management minor. The minor currently falls under the Faculty of Math & Computing and is overseen by Dean Aaron Curtis. Anticipating the number of students enrolled in the minor to increase, the board has already approved the request to expand it into a new major, with Dr. Stone and Dr. Nonu assisting in its development.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced two leadership changes in Academics earlier this semester: Dr. Jared Marcum as the interim director of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching and Dr. Eric Rackley as an associate director of the Center for Learning & teaching. Both appointments are effective at the start of the Fall 2023 Semester on August 30.

BYU–Hawaii Administrative Vice President Steve Tueller has named Makoa Freitas as the new director of finance/controller.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its spring 2023 devotional and lecture speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals focus on spiritual learning by fostering greater faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ.