The Laie-based Mahalo No Ka Hana chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) named BYU-Hawaii Vice President of University Advancement V. Napua Baker [pictured on the left with her award in the photo at the left] as its Executive of the Year during its monthly luncheon on October 17.
Over 70 administrative professionals from BYU-Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii Reserves, Inc. and other regional organizations comprise the membership of the local IAAP chapter.
Baker, a native Hawaiian and Church College of Hawaii alumna who went on to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from BYU in Provo, returned to Laie in 1983 as director of the former Division of Continuing Education (now CITO). In 1987 then-BYU-Hawaii President Alton Wade named her his assistant, with responsibilities for University Relations. "At that time there was just the alumni office and one writer," she recalled. Her University Advancement team now numbers over 20 and produces editorial, photography, video, web site content and other media services for the university.
In 1992 Baker became the first female vice president in the Church Educational System. She is currently a member of the BYU-Hawaii President's Council and is also a member of the PCC Board of Directors.
In nominating Baker for the award, BYU-Hawaii special events coordinator and chapter member Lila Magalei [shown on the right in the upper photo at the top-left with Baker], said she is a "positive role model...[and] truly a teacher and leader by example."
"When the going gets tough, Napua has a unique way of keeping her cool. She is a gentle, humble woman and is highly respected for that. She kindly reminds us of our professional roles. Her story of starting off as an administrative professional to becoming the first vice president of Polynesian ancestry in the CES system is a wonderful outlook on life and gives women professionals of Polynesian ancestry something encouraging to look up to."
Magalei also pointed out in her nomination that Bruce L. Olsen, Managing Director of Public Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently wrote: "[Napua Baker] is one of the great professionals of our time."
In a typical response, Baker said she was surprised to receive the IAAP award. "The thing that I appreciate most is knowing that the mission of BYU-Hawaii — and the Polynesian Cultural Center — is prophetic and divine. Although I never imagined serving in this capacity years ago, I am so grateful to be a part of that mission, and to contribute in any way that I can toward its fulfillment. Over the past 28 years I've seen so much change for the good that has developed."
"I think being able to work with students is the thing that really stands out," she continued. "It's a great blessing to see how they come in, how they've grown and developed into leaders who are prepared to go out and serve in their countries, communities and in the Church. It's a great blessing. The other part of it is to see our university strengthen our youth academically and spiritually."
On the Polynesian Cultural Center board Baker chairs the education committee, which has formed a joint task force of BYU-Hawaii academicians and PCC Officer Team members "to work more effectively in helping each other, instilling work ethics and establishing peace here among our students, who become leaders in the process." A pilot program to accomplish this will start on campus and in the PCC's Hawaiian village in January.
Baker, who indicated she wants to serve a proselyting mission when she retires in about a year, stressed that as the only woman on the president's council, "I've learned in the process that I've had the privilege of serving with great men. I appreciate that, and realize that all of the challenges and experiences have helped me to love and appreciate the whole purpose of this institution."
"It has nothing to do with position," she added. "It has everything to do with contributing to BYU-Hawaii's mission with heart and soul."
— Photos by Monique Saenz