September 19, 2025, 3:43pm MDT
BYU – HAWAII’s president of John SK Cowwe III has been diagnosed with rectal cancer, he announced on Tuesday, September 16th in a video message about the university’s social media accounts.
“This cancer is treatable, but it is serious. It requires immediate care and months of intensive care,” reported President Kaue.
Nevertheless, he and his wife, Sister Monica Kauwe, said, “Even in this challenging season, we are delighted. Knowing that we are in the hands of the Lord, we focus on healing and progress with faith and optimism.”
John “Köni” SK Kauwe III was founded on October 19, 2021 as the 11th president of a church-owned university in Raye, Hawaii. He is the first Native Hawaiian and youngest president in school history. At the time of his appointment, he was 40 years old, along with a young family of 40 (five children between 2 and 13), and thought he would be a five-year term as BYU’s graduate dean.
“This is a great opportunity,” said President Kaue, who has been appointed president of BYU-HAWAII.
After last week’s diagnosis, President Kaue repeated to the church news in an email saying that he and his wife were delighted despite the uncertainty and fear that comes with these situations. “In the first few days of the news, Monica and I looked back on the incredible blessings we have in our lives: our children, our children, our opportunities to serve at Byu-Hawaii, our solid knowledge of God’s plan and many others.
President Kaue’s three invitations
In a four-minute announcement video on Tuesday, President Kaue shares three points with a response invitation to the campus community.
In an email to church news, President Kawwe shared how he pondered how he could share the news in ways that teach and enhance BYU-Hawaii students. “The Lord made it very clear to me the necessary message,” he said.
The first point he shares in his social media messages is that physical suffering and imperfection are part of a fatal experience. “I know I have inherited a great ability for my job and many amazing talents from my ancestors, and I also know I have inherited a very high risk of diabetes and cancer,” he said.
He lives cancer for many of his loved ones and continues to live a happy and productive life, while many others have passed away much earlier than expected, President Kaue told Church News.
Through personal revelation, President Kaue felt he had been led over the past year to make changes to improve his health. “Thankfully, cancer is not widely available. I should be more resilient as I get treatment in the coming months to improve my health,” he says, “Please observe immediately while taking care of yourself spiritually and physically.”
To explain his second point, President Cowwe quoted President Russell M. Nelson. He teaches that Latter-day Saints can educate their minds and one day they can better serve others.
The learning and effort of a generation of scientists and doctors has given him the opportunity to heal and live. “Controll your learning. You have the ability to serve others in many ways that will celebrate many lives in the future.”
Third, President Kauwe spoke of the comfort he received from the priesthood blessings and from the Holy Spirit from the love, faith, fasting and prayer of others. “I know that Jesus Christ is alive and that His tone sin is at the heart of God’s plan. I know that it brings peace and joy to us even in the most difficult times.”
He encouraged the students, “Take care of your testimony and strengthen it, and you will give great joy to this life, even through trial.”
I’ll move forward
President Kaue said he will continue to serve as president when he receives treatment. But the university is in good hands while focusing on healing, he told church news.
“BYU – HAWAII is led by the Council, chaired by President Russell M. Nelson, with President Darrin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring as their subordinate chairs and under their direction, has developed a clear strategic plan for the future of BYU – HAWAII. They are well-guided on strategies and expectations, and are ready to elevate the way we prepare students.
In his message to students and employees, President Kaue expressed his hope that the exchange on campus would focus on the experiences of excitement happening within the BYU-Hawaii community, rather than focusing on his health. “We share some good news in your life and how you love and serve others here at BYU-HAWAII,” he said.
