Who We Are

Josh Tonga
Hannah Kola

Fahina Lauti
Jane Sandberg
Soktheavy Phouk
Brock Bennett
Jonah Gunter

Taylor Nikolaus
Angela Morales
Sara Sharp
Oliva Damanu
Thomas Nebeker
Regina Shumway
Mila Stanley
Joseph Brown
Rachel Akana

Photo by BYUH

Jennifer Kajiyama Tinkham graduated from BYU–Hawaii as valedictorian in 2002, studying both political science and Japanese. As an undergraduate, she worked in the U.S. Senate for the Secretary of the Senate, the Hawaii Attorney General's Office, the Hawaii State Supreme Court, and the Hawaii State House of Representatives. Jennifer also served a mission in the Japan Nagoya mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon her return, she attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School in Provo, Utah, emphasizing in international law and alternative dispute resolutions. As a law student, Jennifer was editor-in-chief of BYU's International Law and Management Review Journal, and selected as a top oralist from the Western Region in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Jennifer also completed a Master of Public Administration from the Marriott School of Management, specifying her studies in non-profit and human resources management. Jennifer is a licensed attorney and is also a certified court mediator, divorce mediator, and arbitrator. She has worked for several judges and law firms, working on cases ranging from business law to worker's compensation and most recently, family law. Jennifer is the Legal Studies Program lead at BYU–Hawaii, professor for the legal studies classes, and serves as the prelaw society faculty advisor.

Photo by BYUH

Patiola Thompson is an administrative assistant for the Faculty of Business & Government. Patiola is also an alumni of BYUH and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in exercise sports and science with an emphasis on sports and fitness management and a minor in psychology. Right after graduation, Patiola interned as the administrative assistant for the political science program and was able to assist the faculty and students for a year. She loves serving others and spending quality time with her family.

Photo by BYUH

David Whippy is an assistant professor of intercultural peacebuilding at BYU–Hawaii and the director of the David O. Mckay Center for Intercultural Understanding. In this role as an assistant professor, he teaches undergraduate courses on transformative mediation, nongovernment organizations and peacebuilding, peace education, and peace ecology. David has a bachelor's degree in psychology from BYU–Hawaii, a master's degree from the School of Government, Development and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific in diplomacy and international affairs. He continues to work as a trainer and facilitator in the field, as well as consulting NGOs and facilitators on programs, projects, and curriculum.

Photo by BYUH

Aaron Shumway grew up in Laie in the shadow of our lovely campus. He graduated from Liahona High School in Tonga, and after an additional year of high school in California, he attended BYU–Hawaii. Following a mission to Taiwan, Aaron returned to BYUH where in Concert Choir he met his wife, May Villanueva, a student from the Philippines. They enjoyed the TVA life while Aaron worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a tour guide until finishing school. Aaron graduated from BYUH with a degree in English and later attended Washington & Lee University School of Law. He practiced real estate and business law in Honolulu for 12 years prior to joining the Church Educational System family in Seminaries and Institutes. He served as a coordinator in S&I for nine years, during which time he also taught religion classes at BYUH. He said he is thrilled to be joining Religious Education full time. Aaron and May have six children and enjoy spending time with family in whatever activity comes up, be it singing at home, playing at the beach, or lying on the front lawn gazing at the night sky.

Photo by BYUH

Rand Blimes is a full-time professor and program lead in the Political Science Program and is one of RFHD's newest advisors.

Dr. Michael G. Murdock

Dr. Troy Smith