Zion community

Juanita Denninghoff with fellow BYUH faculty. Photo provided by Juanita Denninghoff

Teaching at BYUH

is a privilege, said Juanita Denninghoff, an associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work, because both she and her students can share their beliefs openly alongside academic discussion.

She always opens her class with an inspired question to spark two-way conversation between her and her students to exchange insight and even spiritual experiences–something she couldn't do freely at other universities she’s taught. 

With the shared understanding of the gospel and the school’s mission, she said, students and faculty help one another grow and fulfill their kuleana, or responsibility, even across language and cultural differences.

“The diversity the institution provides connects us rather than divides us. It prepares us to become leaders who can work with people from many different backgrounds.”

When asked how BYU–Hawaii’s religious mission prepares students ethically for their careers, Denninghoff said it begins with the truth that each person is a child of God. “Our faith is something we live daily—not just on Sundays,” she explained. Because of that, she said, “the gospel shapes our interactions with others, and that carries into our work environments, our families and our communities.”

Juanita (Vegas) Denninghoff as a BYUH senior in 2002. Photo by Ke Alaka'i newspaper.

As a 2002 BYU–Hawaii alumna who first enrolled as a non-member, Deninghoff said her friends, professors and the campus community influenced her decision to be baptized. “BYU–Hawaii is my spiritual birthplace—it’s where I found the gospel,” she said. Before then, her prayers were mostly expressions of gratitude, not questions, until friends and missionaries encouraged her to ask if the Church was true. That experience, she said, became a turning point in her faith—one she hopes others can find through the same support and spirit at BYU–Hawaii.

Denninghoff said she hopes her students remember their role and responsibility to their community because the things they say and do matter. She also encouraged them to remain humble and keep learning. “Always ask what you can learn from a person or a situation.” Turning to Christ for grace and strength, she added, allows students to transform their shortcomings into hope—a lesson that reflects BYU–Hawaii’s mission well beyond campus life.