Adored by his present students, revered by his former students, Dr. J.
Perry Christensen has been bringing excitement and enthusiasm to the
classrooms of BYUH since 1989. During this time, he has taught nearly
every EIL course offered and coordinated intensive ESL programs in both
Tonga and Samoa.

He has served on the Language Center Steering Committee, the EIL
Curriculum Committee, the EIL Distance Learning Committee, the Hawaii
TESOL Executive Committee, and the Laie Emergency Committee. He is
currently the Writing Coordinator for the program.

Dr. Christensen's educational background is as diverse as his teaching
ability. He earned a minor in Modern Hebrew and a B.A. in Russian from
the University of Utah ('89). He continued his educational pursuits
graduating with distinction from Hawaii Pacific University's M.B.A.
program ('94). He reached the pinnacle of formalized education by
earning an Ed.D. through California Coast University (2001). His
dissertation is entitled "A Computer-aided Analysis of Holistically
Scored ESL Writing Placement Exams".

Dr. Christensen's interests include the fundamentals of ESL pedagogy as
well as computer-aided instruction and learning. However, his greatest
work related interest lies in conducting a lively class filled with
inquisitive minds.

While not in the office or classroom, Dr. Christensen can be found
enjoying a day at the beach with his wife and 5 children, working in
his garden, practicing his guitar or bass, and riding his bike. When
not engaged in a myriad of leisure activities, Dr. Christensen pats
himself on the back for being an Eagle Scout, a permanent member of The
National Slavic Honor Society, and an Extra Class ham radio operator
(WH7D).