This University is and will continue to be a place where people from across the world gather to be one in Christ and educate and uplift each other. Diversity of culture, experience, and thought is one of our greatest strengths. So too is our striving for unity as children of God bathed in the light of the restored gospel. Diversity and unity work together here at BYU–Hawaii in remarkable ways.

Every aspect of my secular and spiritual education has brought me joy. I want each of you to know how excited I am to be part of that same joyful experience for you at BYU–Hawaii. I will do everything I can to be a meaningful part of the effort to support our students.

Now, after all these years of trying to steer by the stars, I come to my journey’s end a president and professor. This is my last port of call as an educator. “Home is the sailor, home from the sea.” I leave confident that BYU–Hawaii will sail on, ably guided by a new helmsman who takes the helm at a difficult time when the University is sailing in uncharted waters.

We have been touched and changed by you, the angels of BYU–Hawaii and Laie. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the aloha you have showered upon us, and for the loving strength of our current prophets and leaders who serve us on our Board of Education, and to our Father in Heaven for allowing us this opportunity.