BYU Hawaii Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

BYU Hawaii has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, academics, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a unique educational philosophy, BYU Hawaii prepares students for leadership roles across Asia and the Pacific by integrating spiritual and secular learning with work-study opportunities, fostering lifelong discipleship and community impact.

Leadership Roles at BYU Hawaii

  • Accountant for President for Academics - Sho Imano
  • President of Korean Chapter - Taekwang Kwon
  • Club President - Tergel Amarsanaa
  • Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor - Lucy Kappal
  • Cultural Consultant and Designer for President for BYU-H - Samuel Mangakahia
  • Acting President of BYU-Hawaii - R. Haws
  • Chief Information Officer - Ryan Carter
  • Chief of Staff - Scott Stiles
  • Sho Imano - Accountant for President for Academics

    Sho Imano, the Accountant for President for Academics at BYU Hawaii, manages the financial operations supporting academic programs and initiatives. This critical role involves meticulous financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to ensure the effective allocation of resources for educational endeavors. Imano's responsibilities include overseeing accounting processes that directly impact the university's ability to provide a customizable academic curriculum and enhance students' intellect and leadership skills. By maintaining financial integrity, Sho Imano supports the university's mission of preparing students to become leaders in Asia and the Pacific. The Accountant for President for Academics ensures that financial strategies align with the overarching goal of integrating spiritual and secular learning, fostering a supportive environment for student growth.

    Taekwang Kwon - President of Korean Chapter

    Taekwang Kwon, the President of Korean Chapter at BYU Hawaii, leads initiatives and represents the university within the Korean community and among its student body. This leadership position focuses on fostering engagement, promoting university programs, and supporting students from Korea. Kwon's efforts are instrumental in extending the university's reach and impact in the Asian Rim, aligning with the mission to prepare students for leadership roles. By cultivating strong relationships and facilitating cultural exchange, Taekwang Kwon enhances the supportive environment for personal and professional growth. The President of Korean Chapter plays a key part in ensuring that students from this region benefit fully from the unique educational experience that integrates spiritual and secular learning with work-study opportunities.

    Tergel Amarsanaa - Club President

    Tergel Amarsanaa, the Club President at BYU Hawaii, directs the activities and strategic direction of a specific student organization. This role involves leading club members, organizing events, and fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Amarsanaa's leadership contributes to the vibrant campus life and the development of practical leadership skills among students, directly supporting the university's mission to prepare them for future roles. By managing club operations and promoting engagement, Tergel Amarsanaa enhances the student experience and reinforces the university's commitment to personal and professional growth. The Club President's dedication ensures that students gain valuable experience in teamwork and initiative within a supportive educational framework.

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

    Lucy Kappal, a Professor at BYU Hawaii, contributes to the academic rigor and spiritual development of students. Holding multiple leadership roles including Elders Quorum President and having served as a Returned Missionary, Kappal brings a unique perspective that integrates practical leadership experience with scholarly instruction. This multifaceted background informs teaching methodologies, emphasizing the university's core values of spiritual and secular learning. Kappal's influence extends to mentoring students, guiding their intellectual and personal journeys, and preparing them for leadership in their communities and chosen fields. By embodying the university's mission, Lucy Kappal fosters a supportive environment conducive to lifelong discipleship and holistic growth for students from Oceania and the Asian Rim.

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

    Samuel Mangakahia, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President for BYU-H, provides expert guidance on cultural integration and visual representation for the university's leadership. This specialized role ensures that institutional communications and initiatives are culturally sensitive and effectively resonate with the diverse student body, particularly those from Oceania and the Asian Rim. Mangakahia's design expertise enhances the presentation of the university's mission and values, supporting the preparation of students as leaders. By advising on cultural nuances and aesthetic direction, Samuel Mangakahia contributes to a more inclusive and impactful educational experience. This role is vital in maintaining the university's commitment to fostering personal and professional growth within a supportive, globally-aware environment.

    R. Haws - Acting President of BYU-Hawaii

    R. Haws, the Acting President of BYU Hawaii, provides interim leadership, guiding the institution's strategic direction and operational continuity. This pivotal role ensures that the university continues to fulfill its mission of integrating spiritual and secular learning with work-study opportunities, preparing students for leadership in Asia and the Pacific. Haws oversees key administrative functions, supports faculty and staff, and champions the university's commitment to developing lifelong disciples. By maintaining stability and fostering progress, R. Haws ensures that students from Oceania and the Asian Rim receive a high-quality educational experience. The Acting President's leadership is crucial in upholding the supportive environment that promotes personal and professional growth during this transitional period.

    Ryan Carter - Chief Information Officer

    Ryan Carter, the Chief Information Officer at BYU Hawaii, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Carter ensures the seamless integration of digital tools and platforms that support both academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity initiatives, optimizing network performance, and driving innovation in educational technology to enhance the learning experience for students from Oceania and the Asian Rim. Carter's focus extends to developing scalable IT solutions that align with the university's mission of preparing leaders through integrated spiritual and secular learning. By architecting robust technological frameworks, Ryan Carter directly supports the university's commitment to providing a customizable academic curriculum and fostering personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
    Ryan Carter

    Scott Stiles - Chief of Staff

    Scott Stiles, the Chief of Staff at BYU Hawaii, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the university's leadership. Managing key initiatives and facilitating communication across departments, Stiles ensures alignment with the institution's core mission. This role involves coordinating special projects, advising on policy development, and enhancing the efficiency of executive operations. Stiles's work directly supports the university's aim to prepare students as leaders in Asia and the Pacific by ensuring that institutional efforts are focused and effective. By streamlining processes and fostering collaboration, Scott Stiles contributes to the university's unique educational experience that integrates spiritual and secular learning with work-study opportunities. The Chief of Staff's influence is critical in maintaining the university's supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BYU Hawaii Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BYU Hawaii?
    BYU Hawaii is led by Sho Imano (Accountant for President for Academics), along with executives such as Taekwang Kwon (President of Korean Chapter) and Tergel Amarsanaa (Club President).
    Who is part of BYU Hawaii’s executive team?
    The executive team of BYU Hawaii includes leaders such as Sho Imano (Accountant for President for Academics), Taekwang Kwon (President of Korean Chapter), Tergel Amarsanaa (Club President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BYU Hawaii have?
    BYU Hawaii has 8 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 Accountant for President for Academics, President of Korean Chapter, Club President, Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor, Cultural Consultant and Designer for President for BYU-H.