John Mayer

John Mayer is an Associate Professor and Samoan Program Coordinator at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. He founded the Samoan language program at the university in 1976 and teaches advanced Samoan language courses. He holds a PhD in Linguistics and an MA in ESL from the same institution. Mayer served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and Trainer in Samoa from 1970 to 1976 and is a founding member and instructor at Le Fetuao Samoan Language Center in Honolulu. He possesses two chiefly titles: Fepulea’i from Savai’i and Lāsei from Manono.

His research and teaching focus on Samoan language preservation, pedagogy, and cultural heritage. He actively engages in community initiatives to promote Samoan linguistic and cultural identity, bridging academic and grassroots efforts. His work integrates his Peace Corps experience and scholarly expertise in linguistics to develop innovative language education programs.

Mayer advises students in Pacific Islands Studies and collaborates with local and global Samoan communities. He has no listed scientific awards but is recognized for his contributions to Samoan cultural preservation. His family includes his wife Tusitala Feagaiga Toomata-Mayer and two sons.