Dr. William G. Neal, Assistant to the President of Brigham Young University Hawaii, announced that Michael A. Johanson has succeeded Dr. Duane C. Roberts as the school's Director of Communications and Marketing. Dr. Roberts retired at the end of Fall Semester 2008 and he and his wife, Susan, now live in Utah.
Johanson, who earned a degree in public relations from BYU in Provo, most recently worked as Communications Manager for Melaleuca Inc. in Idaho Falls, Idaho, an $860 million worldwide wellness products company.
Johanson is originally from Washington state and learned to speak fluent Spanish while serving as a Latter-day Saint missionary in Honduras. He also has experience working at the BYU Marriott School of Management and the Convergys Corporation, a multinational customer and professional services company, both in Utah. In addition, he has specialized in web and social media marketing and public relations.
"We're delighted to welcome Michael to our university ohana [family]," Neal said of the new appointment, adding that Johanson's international experience is a plus, as approximately 50 percent of BYU-Hawaii's student body comes from over 70 different countries, primarily in the Pacific and Asia.
"I'm very excited about joining the communications team at BYU-Hawaii, and working closely with our constituents, stakeholders and target publics," replied Johanson.
"BYU-Hawaii has incredibly far-reaching influence and potential, and has a solemn responsibility in regards to the ‘establishment of peace internationally.' The role of appropriate, timely, and consistent communication and messaging is critical to accomplishing this inspired mission."
"This campus offers so much beyond the beauty of the surroundings," he continued. "The community is supportive and encouraging. The faculty and staff are top-tier in their respective disciplines. And the students are wise, energetic, and devoted to excellence."
"I'm excited to help expand the university's influence and continue building on the heritage that has been and currently is being forged by great leaders here at BYU-Hawaii."
Johanson and his wife, Katrina, have three daughters: Whitney, 7; Makenna, 5; and Brynlee, 3 months.