Announcements

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.

BYU–Hawaii welcomes Reid Millerberg as the new Director of Human Resources.

Hawaii Devotional with President and Sister Nelson and Elder and Sister Holland

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven W. Tueller as Vice President of Administration. The BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees approved the appointment following the recommendation of the university search committee.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is proud to announce that Feki Pouha has joined the university as the manager of the Office of Honor. Feki comes to BYU–Hawaii after serving the past two years as the State Representative for House District 47 (Waialua-Kahuku-Waiahole) on O'ahu's North Shore. Feki received his juris doctorate degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He also earned a bachelor of arts degree in Hawaiian Studies from BYU–Hawaii. As an undergraduate student, Feki helped build, maintain and sail 'Iosepa, the 57-foot oceanic double-hulled-voyaging canoe of La'ie and BYU–Hawaii. He also served as Student Body President from 2006 to 2007. Feki was born and raised in Hau'ula and served an LDS mission in Uganda, East Africa. He and his wife Kieiki have four children. Also of note, Feki was named after and is the grandson of the same Feki Pouha who was the young missionary companion to Elder John H. Groberg as depicted in the movie, "The Other Side of Heaven."

BYU-Hawaii is proud to announce that Melba Latu will join the university as the Dean of Students. This position is newly formed as it has been before a role connected to the Vice President of Student Development & Services, currently Dr. Debbie Hippolite Wright. Now being its own unique position, the Dean of Students plays an important role in assessing, maintaining, and enriching a sense of campus community. As such, Sis. Latu will coordinate efforts of the offices that provide services to support the success of students.