Board of Trustees
Guiding UWest’s Future with Wisdom & Leadership
The University of the West Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure that UWest continues to fulfill its mission of holistic education, ethical leadership, and community engagement. The 12-member Board is composed of distinguished leaders from higher education, business, Buddhist communities, and nonprofit organizations, ensuring a diverse range of expertise to support UWest’s growth and long-term success.
Meet Our Board of Trustees
Venerable Master Hsing Yun (1927–2023)
Founder & Chairman Emeritus
Venerable Master Hsing Yun was the founder of the Fo Guang Shan International Buddhist Order and a lifelong advocate for Humanistic Buddhism, education, and interfaith dialogue. Under his leadership, Fo Guang Shan established five sister schools worldwide, including University of the West, to promote values-driven education and global engagement. His legacy continues to inspire the university’s mission and vision.
Board Leadership
Venerable Hsin Bau
Abbot of Fo Guang Shan
Venerable Hsin Bau (Ven. Hui Chi) has served in leadership roles across North America, including as Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple and Vice Secretary General of BLIA World Headquarters. In 2012, he was elected Chairperson of the Fo Guang Shan Board of Directors and became the ninth-term Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Temple.
Venerable Hui Dong
Executive Trustee
Originally from China, Venerable Hui Dong earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and later pursued a PhD in Religious Studies at UWest (2006-2013). Ordained as a Buddhist monk in 2008, he has been a UWest Board Trustee since 2013 and currently serves as Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple.
Venerable Tzu Jung
Trustee
Acting President, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters
A graduate of Japan’s Bukkyo University, Venerable Tzu Jung holds an honorary doctorate from UWest. She has been recognized for her contributions to social welfare, receiving national awards from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education in 2000 and 2003.
Venerable Miao Hsi
Trustee
Buddha’s Light Publications USA, Los Angeles
Venerable Miao Hsi has worked extensively in Buddhist education, publishing, and interfaith initiatives. She served as:
Editor-in-Chief of The Merit Times (English pages)Director of the Fo Guang Shan International Translation CenterExecutive Director of Buddha’s Light Publications USA
She has also translated several works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, including Between Ignorance and Enlightenment and Dharma Words.
Peter Bemsk, PhD
Trustee
Higher Education Consultant & Former President, Sofia University
Dr. Bemski has over 40 years of experience in higher education across multiple countries. He has held positions as Dean, Chair, and University President, including at Sofia University. He is an expert in educational leadership and accreditation review.
Christopher Dela Rosa, DM
Trustee
Vice Chancellor, Foothill-De Anza Community College District
Dr. Dela Rosa is a higher education administrator and professor with over 28 years of experience. He currently serves as Vice Chancellor of Business Services at Foothill-De Anza Community College District and has held leadership positions in information technology, finance, and college administration.
Cecil Willis, Jr.
Trustee
Former Mayor of Stafford, TX; Education Advocate
A former Mayor of Stafford, TX, Cecil Willis has been a lifelong advocate for education and youth development. He serves as a Board Member for Fort Bend County Texas A&M Club, providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
Zhengyu Zang, PhD
Trustee
Founder of the Fuhui International Index; Corporate Strategy Expert
Dr. Zhang Zhenyu, a graduate of the United Nations University for Peace, is the founder of the Fuhui International Index and Chairman of Tianxing Holdings. With over 30 years of experience in global business and corporate strategy, he has also served as a keynote speaker at major forums across China and led initiatives supporting youth employment and public welfare.
Venerable Hui Chuan
Trustee
Vice Abbot of Fo Guang Shan
Venerable Hui Chuan has dedicated his career to education, media, and community engagement. He has served as:
Vice President of Pu-Men High School (Taiwan)
Vice President of Taipei Buddhist Monk College
Director of the BLIA Young Adult Division
Council Member of Fo Guang Shan North America
Vice President of The Merit Times newspaper
His dynamic leadership and commitment to Humanistic Buddhism continue to inspire global audiences.
Venerable Zhi You
Trustee
Fo Guang Shan Financial Operations, USA
Venerable Zhi You graduated from Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin University and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne. She has served in finance-related roles at Fo Guang Shan Monastery Headquarters and in the U.S
Tim Chang
Trustee
Partner, Musick Peeler & Garrett, LLP; Chairman, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation
Tim Chang is a corporate finance attorney and has served on the boards of several international financial institutions. He is also Chairman of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, which provides healthcare services to underserved populations.
C. Jim Chen
Trustee
CPA & CFO, Buddha’s Light International Association
A practicing CPA since 1976, Jim Chen specializes in finance, auditing, and nonprofit accounting. He has been actively involved with BLIA and UWest, serving as an adjunct professor in accounting until 2018.
Darlene Lanham
Trustee
Executive Director, Asian Family Support Services of Austin
Darlene Lanham is a recognized advocate for survivors of domestic violence and was inducted into the City of Austin Women’s Hall of Fame for Health and Safety in 2024. She serves as Executive Director of Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA).
Commitment to UWest’s Mission
The UWest Board of Trustees is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking academic environment. Their leadership ensures that UWest remains a place where students grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually, preparing them for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.