Seasiders

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is happy to welcome Dr. Brent Cowley as a new assistant professor in the Communication, Media, and Culture Program, starting in the Fall 2024 Semester. Previously teaching as a visiting assistant professor, Dr. Cowley's new role will allow him to contribute to the program in new ways and further the knowledge of BYU–Hawaii students in all types of media and cultures.

Emmaline Ferguson, a junior from Fiji majoring in business management with an emphasis in human resources, shares how family, responsibility, and a desire to “breathe life” into her faith have enabled her to fulfill the promises made by BYU–Hawaii to its students.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce the addition of Joshua Christensen as a new assistant professor in the Psychology Program, starting in the Fall 2024 semester. A distinguished alumnus and accomplished researcher, Christensen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Seasider community, promising to enrich the academic and personal growth of BYUH students.

Esprit Saucier, an associate professor in marine biology from Houston, Texas, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.

Sisilia Kaufusi, a senior majoring in social work from Laie, Hawaii, shares how her desire to help people and create connections with others has profoundly shaped her academic and spiritual growth through her faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Angelica Maria “Mia” Malit-Cruz, a BYUH graduate from Quezon City, Philippines, with a bachelor’s degree in music and an emphasis on vocal performance, shares how her learnings broke the barriers of music within cultures. Now interning on campus as a Music Program arts administration assistant, she encourages all to follow the covenant path and enjoy the blessings of BYU–Hawaii.

Geoffrey Draper, a professor of computer science from Michigan, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests.

Johann Faana-Kong, a senior majoring in political science from Tahiti, French Polynesia, shares how his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped him grow as a student akin to the Savior.

Joseph Plicka, associate professor of English in the Faculty of Arts & Letters shares about his life, interests, and pursuits.

Jessika Santoso, a junior majoring in TESOL from Indonesia, describes how her family values and desire to become a teaching English as a second language (TESOL) educator and life as a gospel-oriented student led her to BYU–Hawaii.

Francis Gomez, a junior majoring in business management from Pasig City, Philippines, describes his long journey to get a quality education, from trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, his enrollment into BYU–Pathway Worldwide, and the fulfillment of his goal to reach BYU–Hawaii.

Graduation speaker, Shareef Basan says he accomplished what he once thought was impossible by chasing his dreams and helping others along the way.

Raianne Sereene Baysa, a senior majoring in psychology from Ilagan, Philippines, shares how her hometown served as the fertile ground where dreams were nurtured and aspirations took flight. Now, amid the lush landscapes of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, this journey continues, marked by unwavering determination, profound gratitude, and an unyielding commitment to growth.

Pao-Hung Lee, a senior from Taipei, Taiwan, knew that he would need to obtain higher education to advance in his career. He didn't expect to gain a deeper appreciation for cultures and people from all over the world while doing it.

Arania Campbell, a senior majoring in Pacific studies from Laie, Hawaii, shares her journey in maintaining and strengthening her faith in Heavenly Father as she graduates from school ready for opportunities to serve Him.

Get to know Kate McLellan, assistant professor of health and human science in the Faculty of Sciences at BYU–Hawaii and BYUH alum from Newport Beach, California.

Name: Victor Francis Kaufusi

Name: Caryn Joan Lefanga Kunz Lesuma