Faculty & Staff
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BYU–Hawaii Appoints Spencer Ingley and Amanda Wallace as Co-directors of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Dr. Spencer Ingley and Dr. Amanda Wallace as co-directors of the Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching (CLT) at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Ingley began serving in the role on September 1, 2025, and Wallace began her appointment on January 1, 2026.
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Acting President R. Kelly Haws and Sister Connie Haws: A Life of Faith, Learning, and Service
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.
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Ryan Carter Named Chief Information Officer
Operations Vice President Kevin Schlag announced Ryan Carter as the new chief information officer at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Carter will help advance the campus’ strategic priorities, including artificial intelligence, information technology (IT) security, and the development of the students’ capstone experience. He succeeds Arlene Sewell, who transitioned to an IT role at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Carter will assume the role in mid-February.
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Seasider Spotlight: Ban Phung
Ban Phung, associate professor in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests.
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Paul Otte Named Director of Campus Security
Operations Vice President Kevin Schlag announced the appointment of Paul Otte as director of Campus Security at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He replaces Anthony Pickard, who is retiring. The appointment is effective January 12.
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Matthew Bowen Appointed as Director of Religious Education
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Matthew Bowen as the new director of religious education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Bowen will take on this role beginning January 7.
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Seasider Spotlight: Celine Duffau
Celine Duffau, an assistant professor in psychology, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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Celebrating the Leadership of Laura Tevaga
Brigham Young University–Hawaii honors Laura Tevaga for her many years of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and heartfelt stewardship as she concludes her role as advancement vice president. Her tenure has left an unmistakable mark on the university—strengthening its mission, elevating its voice, and building meaningful connections across campus and throughout the world.
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From Campus to Conference: BYU–Hawaii Students Take Research to Korea
Earlier this month, BYU–Hawaii students traveled to Korea to present their original research on an international stage during the 2025 World Congress on Kinesiology & Sport Science conference focused on healthy living. Accompanied and mentored by professors Joel Reece and Ben Chase, the students gave it their all in sharing their findings and competing to win alongside representatives from various other universities.
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Seasider Spotlight: Daniel DeMartini
Daniel DeMartini shares about his life as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science and much more.
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Stephanie Robertson Appointed as Library Director at BYU–Hawaii
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Stephanie Robertson as the new director of the Joseph F. Smith Library. Robertson began this position on October 10, 2025.
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Telling Stories That Matter: Ke Alaka’i Shines at MediaFest 2025
Every year, colleges from around the USA send their best journalism students to be a part of MediaFest, a national conference organized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), and the College Media Association (CMA). The conference is set up to teach aspiring journalists and to recognize their work, highlighting the best of the best in college media. Last week, BYU–Hawaii sent seven Ke Alaka’i team members, accompanied by Marketing and Communications director, Brooke Peterson, and digital communications manager, Leilani Guerrero. Ke Alaka’i has been attending the conference for the past eight years, but for several students, this was their first time.
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Seasider Spotlight: Natasha Gillette
Natasha Gillette, assistant professor of EIL/TESOL shares about her life, persuits and interests.
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Kula Manu 2025 Edition Showcases Student Creativity, Now Available Across Campus
Kula Manu, BYU–Hawaii’s long-standing journal of literature and art, has been a BYU–Hawaii tradition for more than 50 years. Kula Manu—Hawaiian words that mean “school of birds”—is sponsored by the English Program, and the publication is produced each winter semester by students in ENG 392, Introduction to Literary Editing and Publishing, who serve as the editorial staff for the journal. The journal invites submissions of poems, stories, essays, photography, and artwork from students, faculty, staff, and community members. Current students are eligible for prizes in each category.
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BYU–Hawaii Students Represent Kiribati with Dignity and Hope at the United Nations General Assembly
A group of Brigham Young University–Hawaii hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students recently took the world stage, presenting at a high-level side event of the United Nations General Assembly during its 80th anniversary session in New York City.
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Seasider Spotlight: Spencer Ingley
Spencer Ingley, from the Faculty of Sciences, shares why he chose to teach at BYU–Hawaii, why he loves what he does, his current research projects, and advice for students.
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Five Tips for a Successful Semester at BYU–Hawaii
Beginning a new semester can feel both exciting and overwhelming for new students. Fortunately, BYU–Hawaii offers a range of support services to help students thrive academically, emotionally, physically, and socially. Here are five essential resources, along with tips on how to use them effectively.
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