Faculty Highlights and News
Articles about the faculty and their endeavors at BYU–Hawaii.
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BYU–Hawaii Appoints Spencer Ingley and Amanda Wallace as Co-directors of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Dr. Spencer Ingley and Dr. Amanda Wallace as co-directors of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching (CLT) at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Ingley began serving in the role on September 1, 2025, and Wallace began her appointment on January 1, 2026.
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Acting President R. Kelly Haws and Sister Connie Haws: A Life of Faith, Learning, and Service
When R. Kelly Haws and his wife, Connie Haws, acting president and first lady, arrived at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, they brought with them a shared love for education, a deep testimony of Jesus Christ, and decades of experience serving students across the world.
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Paul Otte Named Director of Campus Security
Operations Vice President Kevin Schlag announced the appointment of Paul Otte as director of Campus Security at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He replaces Anthony Pickard, who is retiring. The appointment is effective January 12.
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Matthew Bowen Appointed as Director of Religious Education
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Matthew Bowen as the new director of religious education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Bowen will take on this role beginning January 7.
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Seasider Spotlight: Celine Duffau
Celine Duffau, an assistant professor in psychology, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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Celebrating the Leadership of Laura Tevaga
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.
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Seasider Spotlight: Daniel DeMartini
Daniel DeMartini shares about his life as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science and much more.
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Stephanie Robertson Appointed as Library Director at BYU–Hawaii
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Stephanie Robertson as the new director of the Joseph F. Smith Library. Robertson began this position on October 10, 2025.
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Telling Stories That Matter: Ke Alaka’i Shines at MediaFest 2025
Every year, colleges from around the USA send their best journalism students to be a part of MediaFest, a national conference organized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), and the College Media Association (CMA). The conference is set up to teach aspiring journalists and to recognize their work, highlighting the best of the best in college media. Last week, BYU–Hawaii sent seven Ke Alaka’i team members, accompanied by Marketing and Communications director, Brooke Peterson, and digital communications manager, Leilani Guerrero. Ke Alaka’i has been attending the conference for the past eight years, but for several students, this was their first time.
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From Tragedy to Triumph: How Music Helped A BYU–Hawaii Student Find His Voice Again
Hyrum Stephens' journey as a young artist, marked by resilience, creative discovery, and community, has found its stage at BYU–Hawaii, where his struggles intertwine with music's healing power.
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Seasider Spotlight: Natasha Gillette
Natasha Gillette, assistant professor of EIL/TESOL shares about her life, persuits and interests.
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HTM Students Experience Global Hospitality in Action at World Expo in Japan
From October 4 to 12, a group of hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students from Brigham Young University–Hawaii traveled to Japan for an immersive learning experience centered around the Expo 2025, a world expo held in Osaka, Japan, a global event that takes place only once every five years and draws millions of visitors from more than 150 nations.
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Seasider Spotlight: Spencer Ingley
Spencer Ingley, from the Faculty of Sciences, shares why he chose to teach at BYU–Hawaii, why he loves what he does, his current research projects, and advice for students.
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Seasider Spotlight: Erica Glenn
Dr. Erica Kyree Glenn, the Director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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Rebekah Strain Named Senior Manager of the Center for Academic Success
Vice President for Academics Isaiah Walker announced Rebekah Strain as the inaugural senior manager of the Center for Academic Success at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. She begins in this new position on June 16.
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Brad Smith Named Dean of the Faculty of Sciences
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Dr. Brad Smith as the new dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He will replace Dr. Benjamin Jordan, who has accepted a new position at BYU-Idaho. The appointment is effective August 16.
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Seasider Spotlight: Jared Marcum
Originally from Nevada and Idaho, Jared Marcum has been working at BYUH since 2011. He currently works as an associate professor in the Faculty of Religious Education. Read the full article to learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.
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President's Council Announces 2025 Ho'omaika'i Awards
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the Faculty Awards for Teaching, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Adjunct, the Sione Feinga Award, the V. Napua Baker Award, and President's Appreciation Awards. These awards acknowledge exceptional employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to their roles within the university.
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