Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to welcome Karamea Wright as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Religious Education beginning in the Winter 2025 Semester. Wright will teach religion classes starting with Religion 225 (The Foundations of the Restoration) and Religion 275 (Teachings and Doctrines of the Book of Mormon) and bring her unique experience and cultural perspective about the gospel of Jesus Christ to the university community.
Born and raised in Hauula, Hawaii, Wright’s roots extend across the Pacific. Her father hails from Salt Lake City, Utah, and her mother is from Nelson, New Zealand, where Wright’s Maori heritage has profoundly influenced her personal and professional life. Wright graduated from Kahuku Intermediate and High School in 2009 and began her studies at BYU–Hawaii in the same year.
Wright paused her undergraduate education in 2012 to serve in the California Ventura Mission. After completing her mission in 2014, she returned to BYU–Hawaii, graduating later that year with a bachelor’s degree in international cultural studies with an emphasis in communications and anthropology. Her academic journey continued at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, where she earned a master’s degree in Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous Studies. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Otago in Otago, New Zealand, focusing on Māori movements connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“There’s not much out there about Maori movements within the Church, so there’s excitement and so many possibilities to rely on other Pacific and Indigenous scholars, expand this area, and make it applicable to students here at BYU–Hawaii. I hope to spark thoughts and ideas that might inspire them to explore this area themselves,” Wright shared.
From 2020 to 2024, Wright worked as a lecturer at the University of Waikato, teaching Pacific History and U.S. History and assisting with Māori and indigenous studies. She also collaborated with her supervisors to develop a new course in U.S. history. She will present her research at the 2024 Church History in the Pacific and Asia Conference this year to be held on campus here in BYU–Hawaii.
Wright’s teaching philosophy is rooted in being “student-centered,” inspired by President Spencer W. Kimball’s talk, Jesus, the Perfect Leader. “Christ wasn’t concerned with dazzling displays, and ‘He walked and worked with those he was to serve. His was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friendships; he was not afraid that proximity to him would disappoint his followers. The leaven of true leadership cannot lift others unless we are with and serve those to be led.’” she explained, quoting President Kimball’s talk. “He wanted to be with those he taught. That’s what I strive for as a teacher and leader. Wright added, “I want to be present with my students, help them ask their own questions, and encourage their curiosity about the gospel.”
As she prepares to return to her alma mater, Wright looks forward to seeing the dynamic interactions among her students, saying, “Every class is different, and I can’t wait to see how students interact, relate, and rely on each other through their experiences and testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Watching them grow and learn is such a privilege.”
When she’s not teaching or conducting research, Wright enjoys going to the beach or spending time with her family, especially video-calling her nieces and nephews, who live far away.
With her focus on fostering understanding, empowering students, and connecting cultural and spiritual perspectives, Wright brings a unique and valuable perspective to BYU–Hawaii in her mission to create disciples of Jesus Christ.