Name: Tialei Scanlan
BYU–Hawaii employee since… 2017
BYU–Hawaii alum, class of 2012
My job at BYU–Hawaii is… an associate professor and program lead of Accounting
I grew up in… Orem, Utah, and Laie, Hawaii
I chose to teach at BYU–Hawaii because… I love BYU–Hawaii. My dad, Hiagi Wesley, taught at BYU–Hawaii in education and Pacific Island studies. My mom, Susan Wesley, was an academic advisor for accounting. My husband, Spencer Scanlan, teaches in the psychology program. I told myself that I wouldn’t follow in my father’s footsteps and become a teacher/professor, I was going to become an accountant, but the opportunity opened, and I came to BYU–Hawaii. I love the students and the environment here.
My favorite thing about teaching... is helping students get to that “aha moment” where the concepts or the accounting transactions make sense.
Best advice I’ve ever received about teaching…. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.” You can give students many opportunities to learn, but at the end of the day, the student is in charge of their learning and what they get out of the class.
The thing that sparked my interest in my field is… My love for math sparked an interest in my field, but calculus got really difficult. My personality is very left-brained: logical, analytical, black and white answers, and a love for organization. Accounting seemed like a good fit for my personality.
I’m currently working on… a research paper about accounting students and their experience with gamification.
My most cherished moment… is getting engaged in the little circle in front of the David O. McKay mural at Christmastime, when the Christmas lights were on and the sign Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) was illuminated.
My advice to incoming first-year students is… to ask for help when needed and when times get tough, remember your “why.” Remember why you came to BYU–Hawaii. You are not at BYU–Hawaii by chance. Your “why” can bring clarity and help you make good decisions.
My advice to graduating seniors is…. Give yourself as many opportunities as possible, whether it be grad school, work, or another opportunity, and then let the Lord guide you.
My favorite spot on campus is… HGB 115. I have taught in that classroom almost every semester for the past 10 years, even when I was an adjunct instructor. In this classroom, I’ve aimed to create an environment where students are actively engaged in meaningful lessons, challenged to think deeply, and I try to throw in some fun every so often.
You’ll never find me without… my phone with the notes app pulled up with my to-do list.
My favorite holiday is… Christmas. I love to visit Utah to go see my parents, six older brothers, their spouses, and my 20 nieces and nephews.
My favorite hike on the island is… Waimea Valley waterfall it's beautiful, easy to hike, and includes swimming.
One thing that can instantly make my day better… Chunky cookies, Sweet As ice cream, or a snuggle from one of my kids.
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be… Fijian curry.
My hobby is… I enjoy playing pickleball. My parents introduced me to pickleball, and then I started playing with a ladies' group. I also enjoy working out at the gym with my husband.
The title of my autobiography would be… “Young & Ambitious”
On Friday nights, you’ll find me… watching an action movie with my husband and kids.
On Saturday mornings, you’ll find me… at my kids' sports events, either at a soccer or basketball game.
One exciting moment this year… was seeing my accounting students present their research papers about how students are using AI/ChatGPT and the students’ opinions and perceptions about AI. They placed first and second at the Undergraduate Research Conference in the faculty of business and government division.