Brigham Young University–Hawaii honors Laura Tevaga for her many years of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and heartfelt stewardship as she concludes her role as advancement vice president. Her tenure has left an unmistakable mark on the university—strengthening its mission, elevating its voice, and building meaningful connections across campus and throughout the world.
A Leader Shaped by Experience, Driven by Purpose
Before joining BYU–Hawaii, Tevaga spent more than 25 years working in media, nonprofit fundraising, and strategic communications. Her career included major roles with BYU Broadcasting, KBYU-TV & FM, and BYUtv. These experiences helped her develop a deep understanding of storytelling, relationship-building, and donor engagement—skills that later became essential to her work in higher education.
Tevaga first came to BYU–Hawaii as director of communications and marketing. Her thoughtful leadership and communication expertise quickly proved invaluable. In September 2020, she was appointed assistant to the president for University Communications, where she helped guide campus messaging through times of rapid change and uncertainty.
Advancement Vice President: Uplifting BYU–Hawaii’s Mission
In January 2022, Tevaga was asked to serve as advancement vice president, overseeing departments central to the university’s identity and outreach—including University Communications, Alumni Relations, University Events, and University Scheduling. Tevaga also served as the primary contact and liaison with Philanthropies, a department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This work helps to ensure that gifts and scholarships supporting financial aid, work-study (IWORK), and other student-aid programs reach the hands of deserving students.
In this role, Tevaga guided communications through some of BYU–Hawaii’s most significant moments, such as President Kauwe’s inauguration, the university’s navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the groundbreaking of major campus renovations.
Her leadership throughout these years has been marked by warmth, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the students of BYU–Hawaii. Reflecting on her impact, President John S.K. Kauwe III shared, “Laura has been an extraordinary blessing to BYU–Hawaii. Her leadership, her faith, and her devotion to our mission have strengthened this university. She leads with both grace and expertise, and her influence has touched our students, our employees, and our alumni worldwide. We are profoundly grateful for her years of dedicated service and the lasting impact she has made on our campus ohana.”
A Ministry of Communication and Caring
Beyond her administrative roles, Tevaga has been a spiritual and cultural contributor to campus life. Her 2025 devotional message, Confidence in the Presence of God, emphasized divine identity and love. She shared, “Don’t wait until tomorrow to love more, to forgive more, to repent more, or to serve more. Take action today, while you have the gift of time.”
Colleagues often describe her as someone who listens deeply, builds trust, and leads with humility. She has lifted those around her while relentlessly championing BYU–Hawaii’s purpose: to build disciples of Jesus Christ who are prepared to live and lead throughout Asia and the Pacific.
A New Season of Service
As she concludes her time at BYU–Hawaii (for now), Tevaga is stepping into another meaningful chapter. She and her husband, Nofoa, have been called to serve a public affairs mission in Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their commitment to the gospel and willingness to serve reflect the same faith-centered approach that has guided her professional life.
In this transition, Brooke Peterson has been appointed as the new Advancement Vice President. Peterson brings a strong background in university communications and institutional strategy, and her leadership will continue building on the foundation Tevaga established.