Announcements

Elder Timothy J. Dyches, General Authority Seventy, is scheduled to be the speaker during Brigham Young University–Hawaii's online commencement presentation. The presentation is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, at 9:30 am HST.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Student Life Vice President Jonathan Kala Kau announced the appointment of T. James Faustino as the new dean of students. James has served most recently as the director for the Hoʻokele Department for Admissions, Career, & Alumni Services. In conjunction with James's appointment as dean of students, the divisions, services, and personnel under the Hoʻokele Department will transition from Academics to Student Life. James will continue to oversee these areas as part of his responsibilities as dean of students.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President John Bell announced two leadership changes in Academics today. Yifen Beus has accepted an appointment to serve as the associate academic vice president for faculty replacing David Bybee who will be leading and coordinating campus efforts in sustainability. "We are grateful to Yifen and David for their diligent and long-standing service to the campus. Please join us in expressing your appreciation and welcoming them to their new assignments," said Bell.

BYU–Hawaii announced Tuesday its winter 2021 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.

Elder Paul V. Johnson, General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System, is scheduled to be the speaker during Brigham Young University–Hawaii's online commencement presentation. The presentation will celebrate and recognize candidates for graduation following the Fall 2020 Semester and is scheduled for Friday, December 11, at 9:30, am HST. The event will available at byuh.edu/live-stream, on the BYU–Hawaii YouTube channel, and BYU–Hawaii Facebook page.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President John Bell announced two new appointments in Academics today. Karen Latham has been appointed as the new director of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching. Mark Wolfersberger has accepted an appointment as the dean of the Faculty of Education & Social Work. "We express appreciation to both Karen and Mark for the excellent service they have completed in their previous positions as dean of the faculty and director of the center, respectively," said Bell.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii plans to allow a limited number of students to experience in-person learning during the Winter 2021 Semester. This is part of BYU–Hawaii's Phased Student Return to Campus Plan. In addition to all courses being offered in a remote learning mode, select courses will also be offered in-person. A lower-than-normal amount of on-campus housing openings will also be available with increased safety measures. These openings will be offered to students based on university student employment priorities and expected graduation dates.

President John S.K. Kauwe III, following approval from the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees, has appointed Laura Tevaga as Assistant to the President for University Communications.

President John S.K. Kauwe III, following approval from the Board of Trustees, has appointed Jonathan Kalaonalani Kau as Vice President of Student Life at BYU–Hawaii. Kau will replace Debbie Hippolite Wright, who is retiring after 30 years of service in the Church Educational System.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii has been working diligently to evaluate the current conditions created by COVID-19, especially as they relate to the unique circumstances of Laie, Hawaii. This evaluation has focused primarily on the safety of our students, our staff, and our local community. Considerations have included travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, governmental orders, and housing limitations due to new physical distancing guidelines. Accordingly, university leadership has determined that all classes will be taught remotely during the Fall 2020 Semester.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is making efforts toward lowering its environmental impact and reducing its dependence on the grid by investing in a photovoltaic production and storage system. The project will include a canopy PV system that will span across the Main Parking Lot as well as multiple rooftop systems.

Vice President for Student Development & Services Debbie Hippolite Wright has announced her intention to retire this summer. She has worked in the Church Educational System for nearly 30 years.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii will live stream an online commencement presentation to celebrate and recognize candidates for graduation following the Spring 2020 Semester. Brother Mark L. Pace, Sunday School General President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be the commencement speaker for the online presentation on June 27 at 9:30 am HST. The event will available at https://byuh.edu/live-stream as well as on the BYU–Hawaii YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Vice President for Academics John Bell announced today that Mark Wolfersberger will succeed Jared Marcum as director of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching, effective September 1, 2020.

The Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University–Hawaii has appointed John “Keoni” Kauwe to become the university’s eleventh president. President Kauwe will succeed John S. Tanner, who has served as president of the campus since 2015.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, made the announcement during the weekly BYU–Hawaii devotional, in a broadcast originating from Salt Lake City.

Dr. Kauwe is the dean of Graduate Studies at Brigham Young University in Provo. He is also an internationally recognized researcher specializing in Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Kauwe has deep roots in Hawaii and spent several years of his childhood on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, and is a graduate of Molokai High School.

As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., we want to keep you informed on what BYU–Hawaii is doing to prepare for a potential outbreak. The university's Emergency Operations Committee is closely monitoring this evolving global health situation. Here are commonly asked questions about COVID-19, how it might affect the university, and resources for more information.

Anthony Pickard has been named the new Director of Campus Safety & Security for BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Pickard is an alumnus of BYUH, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He came to BYUH as a basketball recruit and played on the inaugural basketball team for the school. After graduating, Pickard enlisted and advanced in the ranks from a private to an officer in the U.S. Army and the Hawaii Army National Guard.