Name: Ban Phung
BYUH employee since… 2008.
My job at BYUH is… associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters and coordinator of the English and professional writing minor.
I grew up in… Santa Ana, California.
I served a mission in… the Washington D.C. Mission from 1993 to 1995.
I chose to teach at BYUH because… because it aligns with who I am. I was born in Vietnam, and though I grew up in California, I still strongly identify as a first-generation immigrant in the United States. Both personally and professionally, I feel connected to BYU–Hawaii’s mission and core values, especially its focus on Asia and the Pacific.
I am currently working on… an article I’m collaborating on with a colleague at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, about using culturally related metaphors in teaching writing.
My favorite thing about teaching is… always the students. There isn’t a day I wake up regretting going to work. I love being in the classroom, teaching and learning, and I care deeply about student success and engagement.
What sparked my interest in my field is… when I was serving my mission in Washington D.C., we taught English. That experience led me to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, then a doctorate in rhetoric. Working with diverse groups from around the world and teaching English as a second language sparked my passion for teaching.
My advice for incoming BYUH freshmen is… to start building your resume in your freshman year. Most employers look for two years of relevant experience, so it’s smart to begin early. Ideally, get a job related to your field, but if that’s not possible, choose something that builds transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Also, get involved in campus clubs, social, cultural, or professional, and take on leadership roles. These experiences matter.
My advice for writers… is don’t just clock in for the job. Pay close attention to the responsibilities you're given, the actions you take, and aim for measurable results. Document these experiences with “STAR stories”: Situation, Task, Action, Result. That way, when you apply for jobs or graduate programs—or even pitch yourself—you’ll have concrete, impactful examples to share.
On Saturday mornings, you’ll find me… scuba diving or surfing.
The next big trip I hope to make is… to India with my wife, Rena. I greatly admire the drive, resilience, and heritage of the Indian people, not to mention their food. And that admiration extends to other cultures represented at BYU–Hawaii.
If I had an autobiography, the title would be… From Boat to Bishop: From Vietnamese Refugee and Street Survivor to Latter-day Saint Leader.
Something that can instantly make my day better… is good food. No question about it.
My go-to comfort food is… Pho, Vietnamese beef noodle soup.
In my free time, I enjoy doing… filmmaking. I’ve really gotten into it over the last couple of years, and I’m still learning, but if anyone wants to look over my work, they’re welcome to reach out.
If I had a full day off, I would spend it… coaching my kids. Whether it’s surfing, taekwondo, kickboxing, tennis, or football, watching them grow and succeed brings me so much joy.
What I love most about my family is… their faith and commitment. Seeing my children and my wife live out those values is one of my greatest sources of pride and happiness.
My favorite quote of all time is… “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” - Alan Kay