BYU-Hawaii President John SK Kauwe III has been granted a temporary leave of absence to focus on his health as he continues cancer treatment, he announced on the university’s social media accounts on Monday, Dec. 22.
In this post, President Kauwe shares a statement from Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education, on behalf of the Church Education Committee. “In order for you to heal properly and give your best attention to your recovery, the Board has placed you on temporary leave effective immediately.”
Elder Gilbert said in a statement that Brother R. Kelly Hawes, assistant to the president of the Church’s Board of Education and secretary of the BYU-Hawaii Board of Trustees, will serve as BYU-Hawaii’s acting president until President Kauwe’s health improves and he can return to full service.
Elder Gilbert said Brother Hawes will report to President Kauwe but will be assigned to represent BYU-Hawaii in all other university responsibilities.
“You continue to have our full confidence in us, and I pray that this leave will allow you to heal your wounds and facilitate your return to full-time duties as President for many years to come,” Elder Gilbert wrote.
President Kauwe announced on September 16 that he had been diagnosed with rectal cancer and has since undergone intensive chemotherapy. In this latest announcement, President Kauwe revealed that he suffers from immune system problems that are limiting his abilities and delaying scheduled treatments and surgeries.
“As I pondered this directive from the Church Education Committee, I felt spiritually convinced of this path,” President Kauwe said, adding that he has deep love and respect for Brother Hawes, with whom he has worked for many years.
Brother Hawes began his career at CES in 1984 as a teacher in the Seminary and Institute of Religion and has served as assistant to the Church Education Commissioner since 2018. Most recently, Brother Hawes represented the Church Education Committee at BYU-Hawaii’s winter commencement ceremony on December 12th and BYU-Idaho’s graduation ceremony on December 18th.
Brother Hawes holds multiple degrees from George Mason University in Washington, DC, including a Doctorate of Education. The Hawes brothers and their wife, Connie Hawe, are the parents of three children. President Kauwe said the two will arrive in Laie, Hawaii, on the first day of classes.
President Kauwe concluded his announcement by sharing that he and Sister Monica Kauwe remain optimistic for a full recovery.
“(We) continue to find joy in the unexpected twists and turns we face during this trying time in our lives. I encourage you to continue to rely on Jesus Christ as you face life’s challenges. I testify that Jesus will bring you strength, resilience, and growth,” President Kauwe wrote.
John “Kioni” SK Kauwe III was sworn in as the 11th president of the Church-owned university in Laie, Hawaii, on October 19, 2021. He is the first Native Hawaiian and the youngest president in the school’s history. At the time of his appointment, he was 40 years old and had a young family of five children, ranging in age from 2 to 13.
