BYU–Hawaii President Steven Wheelwright addressed the faculty and staff during the Ohana meeting that took place at the McKay Auditorium on Monday, April 25, 2011. Three major points discussed were the support from Church leaders, excellence on campus, and the progress on planning for the future.
President Wheelwright discussed the mission of the university to Learn, Lead, and Build, the progress of the Church in our target area of the Pacific Rim, and Church leader visits for devotionals and forums.
Next, President Wheelwright mentioned highlights from new programs being implemented on campus, including the new framework for student learning, and presented ways that the framework will improve student learning and how teachers can actively participate in its implementation. “This is a great opportunity to distinguished what it means to be a student at BYU–Hawaii. … If they [students] would prepare, they would get dramatically more out of their studies, they would grow in confidence, they’d grow in their ability to be learners, leaders and builders. … It will teach them habits of learning that are the habits they are going to need.” A recently announced partnership between Bank of Hawaii and the university was also mentioned. The Pacific Banking Scholars Program provides an I-WORK equivalent scholarship and also gives opportunities for students to become leaders in their communities where Bank of Hawaii has branches in American Samoa, Guam and Saipan.
The third and final point presented was a report on the progress made thus far in planning for the future. A ten-year plan that will result in a steady and moderate increase to the size of the campus and student body, and create sustainable sources of employment is already in development. The plan is divided into stages that focus on increasing the on-campus housing capacity with more hales and apartment buildings, and adding to the university’s academic core.
In his closing remarks, President Wheelwright provided updates on community projects such as the Malaekahana bike and pedestrian path and the planned hotel in Laie. He ended by expressing appreciation for all of the hard work and continued dedication and involvement from the BYU–Hawaii faculty and staff.
The next BYU–Hawaii Ohana meeting will be held Friday, September 9, 2011, at 9 AM in the McKay Auditorium.