BYU Hawaii Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

BYU Hawaii has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, regional development, academic finance, student leadership, cultural design, and faculty instruction.

Dedicated to fostering global leadership across the Pacific, BYU Hawaii integrates spiritual and secular learning to prepare students for impactful service within their communities and professional fields.

Leadership Roles at BYU Hawaii

  • Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer - Vulcain Yengo
  • President of Korean Chapter - Taekwang Kwon
  • Accountant for President for Academics - Sho Imano
  • Club President - Tergel Amarsanaa
  • Club President - Matthew Linnell
  • Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H - Samuel Mangakahia
  • Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor - Lucy Kappal
  • Chief Information Officer - Ryan Carter
  • Chief of Staff - Scott Stiles
  • Vulcain Yengo - Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Vulcain Yengo, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at BYU Hawaii, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the integration of spiritual and secular learning, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that academic programs align with the mission of preparing students for leadership roles across the Asian Rim and Oceania. This executive role involves managing institutional growth, fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders, and maintaining the unique work-study environment that defines the university experience. By aligning administrative goals with the needs of a diverse student body, Vulcain Yengo drives the long-term sustainability of the campus. Through consistent engagement with the board and faculty, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to expand educational access, ultimately strengthening the university's influence as a center for academic and personal development throughout the Pacific region.

    Taekwang Kwon - President of Korean Chapter

    Taekwang Kwon, the President of Korean Chapter at BYU Hawaii, drives regional engagement and student support initiatives within the Korean market. Overseeing the expansion of university outreach, the President of Korean Chapter ensures that prospective students and alumni remain connected to the institution's mission. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with community leaders and educational partners to enhance the university's presence in the region. By facilitating networking opportunities and providing guidance to students from the Asian Rim, Taekwang Kwon strengthens the university's impact on the professional development of its graduates. The President of Korean Chapter collaborates with the main campus to align regional activities with the broader institutional goals of spiritual and secular growth. Through targeted outreach and consistent support, the President of Korean Chapter secures the university's reputation as a premier destination for students seeking a transformative educational experience.

    Sho Imano - Accountant for President for Academics

    Sho Imano, the Accountant for President for Academics at BYU Hawaii, manages the financial oversight of academic programs and departmental budgets. Overseeing the allocation of funds, the Accountant for President for Academics ensures that resources support the university's commitment to a customizable academic curriculum. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to optimize spending and identifying opportunities for cost-effective improvements in educational delivery. By providing accurate reporting to the President for Academics, Sho Imano enables data-driven decision-making that directly impacts student learning outcomes. The Accountant for President for Academics works closely with faculty and administrative staff to ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining the high standards of the university's academic offerings. Through rigorous financial management, the Accountant for President for Academics supports the long-term viability of the institution's mission to prepare students for leadership in their chosen fields.

    Tergel Amarsanaa - Club President

    Tergel Amarsanaa, the Club President at BYU Hawaii, directs student-led initiatives focused on professional development and community building. Overseeing the operations of specific student organizations, the Club President ensures that activities align with the university's mission of fostering leadership skills. This leadership role involves organizing events, managing club budgets, and facilitating collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds across Oceania and the Asian Rim. By creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and service, Tergel Amarsanaa enhances the overall student experience and promotes personal growth. The Club President works with university administration to ensure that all student activities adhere to institutional values and contribute to a supportive campus environment. Through active engagement and leadership, the Club President empowers students to take initiative, develop their talents, and prepare for future roles as leaders in their families and communities.

    Matthew Linnell - Club President

    Matthew Linnell, the Club President at BYU Hawaii, architects student engagement programs that emphasize cultural exchange and academic collaboration. Overseeing the strategic direction of student clubs, the Club President ensures that members gain practical experience in project management and team leadership. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to integrate club activities with the university's broader educational goals. By fostering an inclusive environment, Matthew Linnell helps students from various regions develop the interpersonal skills necessary for success in a globalized workforce. The Club President manages event logistics and membership outreach, ensuring that all initiatives support the university's mission of preparing students for service. Through dedicated leadership, the Club President creates a vibrant campus culture where students can refine their intellect and leadership capabilities, ultimately contributing to the university's reputation as a hub for personal and professional development.

    Samuel Mangakahia - Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H

    Samuel Mangakahia, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H at BYU Hawaii, directs the integration of Pacific cultural identity into the university's visual and operational environment. Overseeing the design of campus initiatives, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H ensures that the institution's aesthetic and cultural messaging reflects the values of the diverse student body. This leadership role involves advising the President on cultural matters and creating designs that honor the heritage of students from Oceania. By bridging the gap between traditional cultural practices and modern academic life, Samuel Mangakahia fosters a unique sense of belonging on campus. The Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H collaborates with administrative teams to ensure that all public-facing projects align with the university's mission. Through thoughtful design and cultural expertise, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H strengthens the university's identity.

    Lucy Kappal - Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor

    Lucy Kappal, the Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor at BYU Hawaii, instructs students while providing spiritual and academic mentorship. Overseeing classroom curriculum, the Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor ensures that academic content integrates with the university's mission of developing disciples of Jesus Christ. This leadership role involves facilitating student growth through rigorous instruction and personal guidance, helping students excel in their chosen fields. By balancing teaching responsibilities with leadership duties, Lucy Kappal contributes to the supportive environment that defines the university experience. The Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor collaborates with other faculty members to refine pedagogical approaches and enhance the overall quality of education. Through dedicated service and academic excellence, the Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor prepares students to become effective leaders in their families, communities, and professional lives across the Pacific region.

    Ryan Carter - Chief Information Officer

    Ryan Carter, the Chief Information Officer at BYU Hawaii, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the university's academic and administrative operations. Managing the technological landscape, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to digital resources essential for learning and research. This leadership role involves implementing secure data systems that protect institutional information while facilitating seamless communication across the campus. By optimizing network performance and integrating modern educational software, Ryan Carter supports the university's mission to provide a high-quality, customizable curriculum. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with the broader goals of student success and institutional efficiency. Through the deployment of scalable IT solutions, the Chief Information Officer maintains the technological foundation required for the university to serve its diverse student population effectively across the Pacific.
    Ryan Carter

    Scott Stiles - Chief of Staff

    Scott Stiles, the Chief of Staff at BYU Hawaii, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the President and various campus departments. Overseeing the daily administrative flow, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive proper attention and resources. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects, preparing briefings for the executive team, and streamlining decision-making processes to enhance institutional agility. By maintaining alignment between the President's vision and departmental execution, Scott Stiles supports the university's commitment to developing lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key performance indicators, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute to the overall mission of preparing students for leadership. Through meticulous organization and proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on long-term growth and the continued success of the university's unique educational model.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BYU Hawaii Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BYU Hawaii?
    BYU Hawaii is led by Vulcain Yengo (Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Taekwang Kwon (President of Korean Chapter) and Sho Imano (Accountant for President for Academics).
    Who is part of BYU Hawaii’s executive team?
    The executive team of BYU Hawaii includes leaders such as Vulcain Yengo (Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), Taekwang Kwon (President of Korean Chapter), Sho Imano (Accountant for President for Academics) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BYU Hawaii have?
    BYU Hawaii has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BYU Hawaii’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BYU Hawaii includes roles such as Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, President of Korean Chapter, Accountant for President for Academics, Club President, Club President.