The Church Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. R. Kelly Haws as Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s academic vice president, effective July 1, according to a May 13 announcement. Dr. Haws will also continue to serve as acting president of BYU–Hawaii until President John S.K. Kauwe III returns, which is expected on July 1, 2026.
The leadership transition comes after more than forty years of service by Dr. Haws within the Church Educational System (CES). He will work closely with Dr. Isaiah Walker in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth handover.
Dr. Walker has served as academic vice president for five years and will return to teaching in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts at BYU–Hawaii this fall. President John S.K. Kauwe III said, “Isaiah has led us through a remarkable period of transformation: significant curriculum refinement, the hiring of dozens of outstanding new faculty, successful accreditation with NWCCU, developing and teaching the Holokai Foundations course, and many other efforts that have greatly blessed our students. I love him, and I am deeply grateful for his faithful and exemplary service.” Kauwe added that Walker is “loved and respected by CES leadership and the Board of Trustees,” highlighting his positive impact on students.
Regarding Dr. Haws’ appointment as academic vice president, President Kauwe said: “I have had the privilege of working closely with Kelly for several years. He is kind, wise, and fully committed to the mission of BYU–Hawaii and the Church Educational System… I am delighted to have him join us to lead academics as we build upon the strong foundation that has brought us to this point.”
Elder James R. Rasband, Commissioner of the Church Educational System said: “I am confident Vice President Haws will excel in this new role, but he will be missed in the Commissioner’s Office…”
Dr. Haws’ career includes roles from teaching in Seminaries and Institutes worldwide between 1984-2017—covering assignments in Africa, Asia-Pacific regions—and serving as director at The Church of Jesus Christ before joining CES administration.
