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.
For President Haws, returning to Laie feels familiar. He and Sister Haws have spent extensive time in Laie, and Washington, D.C after both being raised in Utah. That perspective, shaped by education, Church service, and travel to more than 50 countries, now informs their approach as they serve the BYU–Hawaii community.
“Our interest,” President Haws said, “is in serving in ways that will allow President Kauwe time to rest and heal. We are all praying for him and his family. And while we are here, we are eager to join the tremendous work being done to strengthen our students intellectually and to help them develop saving faith in Jesus Christ.”
A Partnership Rooted in Faith and Family
President and Sister Haws were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of three children, the youngest of which is currently a student at BYU–Hawaii
Their shared commitment to marriage and family has been central to their lives and leadership.
“Borrowing from a conference talk I heard in my youth, I was raised in a household of faith,” President Haws said. “I learned faith in Jesus Christ from both my mother and my father and that has been a tremendous blessing which we hope to extend to every student on our campus!”
Sister Haws brings her own background of faith and resilience. She earned a cosmetology degree and owned and operated her own business for eight years. She grew up in a family of all girls with an outdoors-loving father, joining him on fishing and hunting adventures that helped foster her love of nature.
Today, she and President Haws enjoy fly fishing together and are even preparing to learn the local style while visiting Molokaʻi.
A Career Dedicated to Religious Education
President Haws’ professional life has been spent almost entirely in religious education, with more than three decades of service in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the Church Educational System (CES).
In addition to being acting president of BYU–Hawaii, he serves as secretary to the CES Boards of Trustees, assistant to the Commissioner of Education, and managing director for CES—roles he has held since 2018. In these responsibilities, he works closely with Church and education leaders to support the mission and direction of Church-sponsored education worldwide.
President Haws also served as director of Correlation Evaluation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading the review of Church materials across all delivery platforms to ensure doctrinal alignment while supporting priesthood leaders in strengthening members from 2017 to 2018.
From 2014 to 2017, he was associate administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, serving as chief operating officer of the worldwide program, and from 1984 to 2017 he held various roles throughout the organization.
Education and a Willingness to Follow Promptings
President Haws’ academic journey reflects both discipline and faith. He earned an associate degree from Snow College, where he also played basketball and served as student body president, a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree from Utah State University. He began doctoral work at the University of Utah (U of U) before completing his doctorate at George Mason University.
That final step came during a pivotal moment in his life. After completing nearly all of his doctoral coursework at the U of U, President Haws was asked to relocate to Washington, D.C.—a move that felt inconvenient and uncertain. Through fasting and prayer, he sought guidance and eventually met with Dr. Gil Coleman, who supervised a national program at George Mason.
Though not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dr. Coleman was a devoted Christian. After hearing President Haws explain his situation, he leaned forward and said words that would change his life: “Oh, Kelly, I think God brings people together for a reason. I’m sure we can find a spot for you.”
“That became one of the great blessings in my life,” President Haws said. “It never would have happened if I hadn’t accepted the invitation to move when it was inconvenient.”
Learning from the Global Church
President Haws’ career has taken him around the world, where he has witnessed faith lived quietly and powerfully.
In Samoa, he visited a multigenerational family living in a small fale and spoke with their 16-year-old son, who walked an hour each morning to attend seminary before catching a bus—and then returned the same way. The young man spoke with excitement about preparing for a mission, unaware that his devotion represented any sort of sacrifice.
In Hong Kong, President Haws joined an early morning seminary class held at a kitchen table in a high-rise apartment. “The spirit at that little kitchen table,” President Haws said, “is one I wish we could duplicate at all of our kitchen tables.”
In Mongolia, he met Odgerel Ochirjav, the country’s first stake president and, at the time, its only institute director. Despite holding a doctorate in forestry and enjoying his work, Odgerel rebuffed repeated invitations to teach institute classes until his wife encouraged him to “plant a different kind of seed.” His influence, President Haws said, became a force for good among young people across the country.
Counsel for BYU–Hawaii Students
President Haws encourages students to anchor their lives in the teachings of Jesus Christ and His chosen prophet and apostles.
“Lock yourselves on every word of the living prophet,” he said. “Study his conference talks. Read what he’s written, including on social media and then be willing to follow his counsel.”
“The Savior Himself says that when the prophet speaks, it’s as if you’re hearing the words of the Savior,” he added. “His words will help you navigate the complexities of society, know the right thing to do, and have the courage to do it.”
Looking Ahead
Together, President and Sister Haws bring warmth, humility and a global vision to BYU–Hawaii. Their story reflects the mission of the university itself: to develop leaders of faith, intellect and character who will bless their families and communities worldwide