Areas of Professional Study and Interest: 

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 6 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).