BYU–Hawaii's newly launched iLead website highlights one of the university's main goals—instilling leadership. Dr. Peter Chan, Associate Professor of Instructional Technology, was the brains behind this concept, which helps to fulfill President David O. McKay's prophecy. The website functions as a resource for current and prospective students, and faculty, highlighting professional cases as well as campus cases of leadership.
The date was December 10, 2009—when Dr. Chan, with the help of the IDD447 class, was able to launch the site. Details on launching began with a forum, which was held in the Aloha Center, but because of the interactive features, which currently include videos, speeches, training packages, and book reviews, iLead has since quickly evolved. Students can also upload their own videos to the website by logging on with their CES id.
Notably, the idea began well before last semester's launch. Chan's original plan was a website to be used for the Church—but after taking it to the University Council, President Wheelwright recommended the focus be on BYU–Hawaii, where the need is immediate. Chan described the creative process as a "step into the dark." Although a rigorous process, Chan stated that stepping into the dark was important. "Sometimes students didn't feel comfortable. I told them to hang in there and keep working. Today, they see the light and learned the process of hanging on to the end. I hope that is something that I have taught my students besides the instructional concepts," said Chan.
This website fits with the rest of the leadership opportunities that are currently on campus, allowing students and faculty to use it in their training.
In Chan's absence, David Lucero, Director of Student Leadership and Honor, is now at the website reins. Lucero has invited students and faculty to use iLead in hopes of receiving feedback in order to further tailor the site to meet user needs.
The website is located at ilead.byuh.edu.