The has been ranked the in the nation by personal-finance website WalletHub. The 2026 study evaluated statewide systems across key metrics of cost and quality, including tuition rates, graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios.

With seven campuses across the state—�鶹��ý CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, UH Maui College and Windward CC—the system offers more than 100 academic and career-focused programs.

Prospective students looking to live and thrive in �鶹��ý can choose from high-demand, high-growth pathways designed to provide higher pay, better work/life balance and career advancement. Options include a career-laddered nursing program at multiple campuses (from certified nurse aides to registered nurses), Windward CC‘s hands-on Veterinary Technology program, or Honolulu CC’s robust trades and technology programs, which feature information technology, automotive technology, and a welding program designed to meet American Welding Society entry-level standards.

“Our high national ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff who make our campuses so special,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult, or ready to return to college, there is still time. We have extended our fall application deadline to August 14. You can still take that next step and join us this fall.”

‘Especially attractive option’

Ninety percent of UH Community College graduates complete their degrees debt-free. Many are supported directly by the �鶹��ý Promise Program, which covers direct education costs including tuition, fees and books for eligible local residents.

There’s still time to enroll for the fall semester. . Classes begin August 24.

The UH Community Colleges offer day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life stages.

WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said, “Community colleges are an especially attractive option this year as many families deal with inflated prices.”

Educational benefits

A UH education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with an associate degree or career and technical certificate often earn higher wages when they enter the workforce than those without.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize course options and allow time to complete financial aid, academic advising, registration and other enrollment steps. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

Assistant Professor of Biology Jennifer Sims has been awarded a for the 2026–27 academic year. She will teach and conduct research at the .

Sims’ research focuses on microplastic pollution, plastic degradation and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled environmental monitoring, drawing connections between the shared environmental challenges facing island communities in Malta and �鶹��ý. Beginning in October 2026, Sims will spend nine months co-teaching biological oceanography and contributing to AI-driven citizen science programs and curriculum to expand undergraduate research opportunities.

“I’m honored to represent �鶹��ý Community College through the Fulbright Program and to connect what we’re learning here in �鶹��ý with global efforts to protect our oceans,” said Sims. “Microplastic pollution and ocean health are global challenges, but island communities often experience them first and most deeply. Collaborating with researchers in Malta gives us a powerful opportunity to share knowledge, compare ecosystems and work toward solutions that will benefit island communities around the world.”

Continued Fulbright success

Sims is the fifth Fulbright Scholar selected from �鶹��ý CC since 2010, continuing the college’s success in the competitive academic exchange program. The college was also recognized as a Top Producing Fulbright Institution in 2023 and 2024.

“One of the reasons �鶹��ý CC has had such success with producing Fulbright Scholars is our kauhale (village)-wide commitment to supporting international collaboration,” said Professor Pamela Scheffler, a two-time awardee and �鶹��ý CC’s Fulbright liaison. “Having a Fulbright liaison on campus means that faculty and staff are supported from before they even make the decision to apply.”

Related stories:

• Turtle tagging: Hands-on research for �鶹��ý CC Marine Option Program students
• �鶹��ý CC recognized as top Fulbright producing institution
• Stingless bees focus of �鶹��ý CC Fulbright Scholar research

Fulbright Scholar awards for the 2027–28 academic year are until September 15, 2026, and the award cycle for the 2028–29 academic year will open in February 2027.

—By Katie Young Yamanaka

The University of �鶹��ý hosted its inaugural AI Institute Day at the UH Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. Co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the State of �鶹��ý Workforce Development Council, the gathering drew 158 in-person and 388 virtual participants across the UH System on August 11. The event was structured to help the university transition from isolated, individual AI experimentation to coordinated, systemwide innovation.

AI Institute Day welcomed guest speaker Asim Ali, executive director of Auburn University’s Biggio Center and board president of UPCEA, an online and professional education association. Ali urged attendees to look past the technical hype of “prompt engineering” and instead approach AI as an ongoing, conversational dialogue. He highlighted the role of humans in training and refining generative AI, noting that “until we get to a system that’s able to teach itself… humans are still absolutely needed.”

Ali also introduced the concept of “unbundling” professional work into automated, augmented and human-only tasks. Citing data from tech consulting company Accenture and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ali predicted that by 2030, a third of workforce tasks will fall into each of these categories. He emphasized that technology is only beneficial if it frees up time for high-value human interaction rather than simply creating more work.

“There’s a lot of noise out there that is going to have almost no impact on your work, and you don’t have to know the daily update of everything that’s happening in the AI world,” said Ali. “But there are a few things that are grounded truths that aren’t going to change anytime soon that are fundamental parts of how the technology works that will endure and it is good and it is safe to invest your time in.”

$100 million investment

UH President Wendy Hensel described AI as “an infusion that touches all things” that will fundamentally reshape UH operations, teaching and thinking. She announced a planned investment of approximately $100 million across UH to boost student success, infrastructure and AI capabilities.

“We are either going to lean into this change and shape it and brand it and focus on who we are as a community and make it work or we’re going to constantly be waving in the wind as these things roll out and find ourselves in a defensive posture,” Hensel said.

To coordinate this scale, Hensel revealed UH is hiring its first Associate Vice President for Workforce Development. This joins strategic partnerships with Google, Microsoft and MIT, alongside current initiatives such as the free, 12 chapter courses, a centralized and faculty curriculum incentives.

The seven University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu have extended their application deadline to August 14, giving prospective students additional time to apply and begin classes this fall. UH Mānoa’s application deadline has passed, but all students who have been accepted are encouraged to enroll and register for classes.

Apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist

Fall classes begin August 24.

“Many people assume they have missed their opportunity once summer is coming to an end, but that is simply not the case,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult or someone ready to return to college, there is still time. We want to help you take that next step because there is a place for you at UH.”

Students can choose from nearly 200 degree, certificate and career and technical education programs across the 10-campus UH System, with day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life circumstances. Whether students are looking to start college, prepare for a new career, earn a credential or continue toward a bachelor’s degree, there are still opportunities to begin this fall.

Affordable, flexible and worth the investment

A UH education is more affordable than many people realize. Most UH students graduate debt free, with about 90% of UH Community College graduates and nearly 70% of graduates from UH‘s four-year campuses completing their degrees without student loan debt. Eligible community college students may also qualify for the �鶹��ý Promise Program, which helps cover direct education costs for tuition, fees and books.

“There has never been a better time to invest in yourself,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “Whether your goal is to earn a degree, gain workforce credentials, transfer to a four-year university or explore a new career, we are ready to help you get started.”

A UH education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or career and technical certificate often see the benefits right away, earning higher wages when they enter the workforce while building toward lifetime earnings that can exceed $2 million more than those of someone without a college education. They also enjoy greater career opportunities, stronger job security and increased access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans and paid leave.

Personalized support every step of the way

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize course options and allow time to complete financial aid, academic advising, registration and other enrollment steps before classes begin on August 24. Students do not have to navigate the process alone. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

To apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist, visit applytouh.org.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Kapiʻolani Community College Liberal Arts undergraduate Maliny Soukkhasem.

Soukkhasem shared: “This past Spring on Kapiʻolani Community College campus. I won in the student division for lei contest. This is a photo of my Spanish professor who also won in her faculty division. It was a special moment to share in this winning experience on campus together since class was online.”

Send us your image!

Previous Images
Hammerhead Sharks
Lei making
35mm photoshoot
Noni lab
May Day, 1952
All Images of the Week

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

As the University of �鶹��ý continues to enhance its digital learning infrastructure, a new tool is rolling out this fall 2026 to support academic integrity and student flexibility. The new tool will allow educators to conduct online proctored exams and quizzes across the UH 10 campus system.

The new online proctoring tools by Honorlock will be integrated directly into Lamakū, the university’s learning management system. Because it integrates directly into Lamakū, UH students do not need to create a separate account, schedule appointments or commute to a physical testing center to take their assessments.

The platform’s 24/7 availability is designed to accommodate the varied lives of modern distance-learning students.

“This provides students in online courses the flexibility to complete their exam when it best fits their schedule, during the exam window established by the course instructor,” said UH Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer Gloria Niles.

Exam proctoring options

Most exams will utilize Honorlock’s automated, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven online proctoring tool. In these AI-only sessions, the software records the test-taker’s webcam, microphone and screen without the presence of a real-time human monitor. The AI flags specific behaviors—such as talking, looking away from the screen, accessing search engines, or using unauthorized devices—and compiles a report for the instructor’s review and discretion.

For exams requiring higher security, an “AI + Live Pop-In” version is also available. This upgraded option includes a human proctor who monitors the AI session in real-time and may intervene with the student if a potential violation is detected. Instructors seeking to use the Live Pop-In version must get approval from their UH campus leadership due to a per-student charge to the campus, which cannot be passed on to the student. Regardless of the proctoring version used, the instructor retains full authority to make final decisions on any flagged behaviors.

Training and resources

To prepare for this rollout, the developed an Honorlock resource and practice exam, available for self-enrollment in the Lamakū Discover area. This allows both faculty and students to experience the AI-only tool in a low-pressure environment. For ongoing assistance, Honorlock technical support is available to test-takers 24/7/365 via email and live chat.

The University of �鶹��ý celebrates August 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

50 years

Doktor, Robert
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Leonhardt, Kenneth W
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

40 years

Davis IV, Harry B
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Debrah, Joan M
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Higa, Ross R
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Jensen, Craig M
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

McCraw, David R
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Nakamoto, Michele S Y
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

30 years

Black, Rhonda S
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Castellano, Fabiola N
Administrative Assistant, Leeward CC

Daehler, Curtis C
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Iwai, Tomoko
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Lee, Femar R
Professor, Honolulu CC

Lum, Anne E
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Malm, Elaina A
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Mine, Jodi A K
Vice Chancellor, �鶹��ý CC

Misawa, Mitsuru
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Napoleon, David N
Vice Chancellor, Kapiʻolani CC

Nylen, Rae H
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Opulauoho, Leslie L
Assistant Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Overstreet, Maryann E
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Pourjalali, Hamid
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Shinagawa, Satoru
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Tonry, John L
Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

20 years

Adrian, Julie A L
Professor, UH Hilo

Agcaoili, Aurelio S
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Babcock, Mary K
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Baker, Charlene K
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Bernstein, Erica G
Instructor, UH Hilo

Bertz, Edward O
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Borza, Edmund J
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Cai, Weirong
Professor, Leeward CC

Coyamin Jr, R A
General Laborer, Kauaʻi CC

Daniels, Ryan B
Professor, UH Maui College

Ferguson, Michael J
Professor, Windward CC

Frueh, Bartley C
Professor, UH Hilo

Fujita, James H
Professor, Leeward CC

Glazer, Brian T
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Golub, Alex J
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Guerzhoy, Pavel
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Hamilton Faris, Jaimey E
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Heller, Mary F
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Higa, Marguerite A
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Ishihara, Christine K M V
Vice Chancellor, UH Maui College

Jiang, Hong
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Kalk, Jonathan W
Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Khaleghi, Gholam H
Professor, Leeward CC

Kim, Bryan S
Professor, UH Hilo

Kimura, Ehito
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Komatsu, Chris T
IT Specialist, UH System

Kukahiko, Eomailani K
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Lachman, Andrew A
Auxiliary And Facilities Services Manager, UH ����ԴDz�

Li, Hongwei
Associate Professor, Windward CC

Lono, Shannon K
Administrative Assistant, Leeward CC

Loong, Chet-Yeng
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Lopes, Natasha M P
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Lu, Kristina Y
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Lundblad, Steven P
Professor, UH Hilo

Mexia, Jeffrey K
Dean, Kauaʻi CC

Nguyen, Thanh T T
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Nixon, David C
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Okazaki, Kim Y
Administrative Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Ono, Ira-Vance M
Painter, UH ����ԴDz�

Osborne, Thomas A
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Park, Hyoung-June
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Park, Mee-Jeong
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Petersen, Carole
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Powers, Julie E
Professor, UH Maui College

Reelitz, Ena T C
Child Care Center Teacher, UH ����ԴDz�

Reemelin, Spencer C
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Reiss, Suzanna J
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Robinson, Scott D
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Rosenlee, Li-Hsiang L
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Scheffler, Pamela Y
Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Scully, Michael
Professor, Leeward CC

Sharma, Nandita
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Shek, Dina M
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Shibuya, Noriko
Janitor, Windward CC

Shumway, Todd R
Junior Specialist, UH Hilo

Singh, Navtej
Professor, Windward CC

Szostak, John D
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Tagami, Jeffrey S
Fiscal Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Takamiya, Marianne
Professor, UH Hilo

Tarui, Nori
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Teramoto, Jennifer L
Contract and Grants Specialist, UH System

Wen, Hsing
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Williams, Philip G
Dean, UH ����ԴDz�

Wilson, Stefanie D
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Yoshida, Joseph D
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Yung, Felicia B K F
Financial Aid Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

10 years

Allen, Sarah T
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Atalag, Ozan
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Bisbee, Michelle A
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Bussiere, Simon M
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Chinen-Moore, Joanne S
Instructor, UH West Oʻahu

Ching, Kelli W J L
Educational Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Ching, Penny D O S
Student Services Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Custodio, Ricardo C
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Dagdag, Faustino
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

De Soto, Kate L E
Associate Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Dill, Susie M D
Assistant Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Dinh, David L
Instructor, UH West Oʻahu

Duong, Danny K Y
Janitor, Honolulu CC

Edwards Jr, Donald B
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Ehlers, Sharon M
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Erum, Alexis J
Associate Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Fujii, Rayna R H
Associate Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Galicinao, Jeffrey A
Lab Manager, UH West Oʻahu

Gonzales, Coty J
Associate Professor, Honolulu CC

Goodwin, Jeff L
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Gorbach, Julien S
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Haag, Andre R
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Hensley, Patricia K
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Ho, Jeffrey B
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Hopela, Charlene
Distance Education Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Horovitz, Liana M
Associate Professor, UH Maui College

Itoga, Holly T
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

James, Laurie Y
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Johnson, Irene Y L
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Jube, Sandro L R
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Kaio, Pele H
Assistant Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Kanahele, Tracy N K H
Assistant Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Kao, Pei-Ling
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Knope, Matthew L
Assistant Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Konh, Bardia
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Kotecki, Kristine E
Associate Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Laimana, John K
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Liu, Veny
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Mar, Christina J
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Martin, Margary
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Masuda, Akihiko
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

McCafferty, Heather R K
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

McDonnell, Bradley J
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

McGuire, Laura M
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Medeiros, Matthew C I
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Mitchell, Craig D
Instructor, �鶹��ý CC

Miyahara, Nolan M
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Namba, Ruria
Associate Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Neo, Rachel L
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Nguyen, Nhu H
Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Ninci, Jennifer M
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Odani, Jenee S
Veterinarian, UH System

Ongosia, Elisa T
Residence Life Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Paulo, Julius R S
IT Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Prudencio, Jarred B M
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Puniwai, Noelani P F
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Quintus, Seth
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Rader, John C
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Reyes, Nicole A
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Romero, Yasmine A
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Ross, Megan C
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Sergi, Huijin K
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Sharma, Rina
IT Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Shinagawa, Myles T
Building Maintenance Worker, UH ����ԴDz�

Sierralta, Karla I
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Smith, Amanda R
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Stepec, Joseph A
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Teramoto, Teri A K
University Security Officer, Kapiʻolani CC

Thornton, Paul D
Associate Professor, UH Maui College

Walguarnery, Justin W
Assistant Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Watkins, Stephen W
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

White, Sherrie
Lab Manager, UH ����ԴDz�

Yogi, Susan Y
Educational Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Zhang, Guohui
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH ����ԴDz� undergraduate and Office of Communications student worker Natasha Maafala during a visit to (HIMB) on Moku o Loʻe in ����Ա�ʻ�dz�� Bay.

Maafala and fellow Office of Communications student workers Liliana Okimoto and Emili Phomsouvanh had the opportunity to experience some of HIMB research—including young hammerhead shark—and educational outreach.

From the “living laboratory” of �鶹��ý, HIMB advances fundamental research and develops new technologies to address the challenges facing �鶹��ý, the Pacific, and the world’s oceans.

Send us your image!

Previous Images
Lei making
35mm photoshoot
Noni lab
May Day, 1952
Weekend weather
All Images of the Week

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

—Name, term, title.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

Check back for more ʻōlelo �鶹��ý.

—Moanikeʻala Nabarro, Office of Communications, Ke Kulanui o �鶹��ý ma Mānoa (University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo .

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Leeward Community College.

“Leeward Community College staff and students participate in a lei-making workshop organized by the college’s Office of Workforce Development and led by Honolulu floral and botanical studio Palai �鶹��ý. The hands-on team-building event encouraged creativity, cultural learning and connections. Photo by Maria Orona.”

.

Previous Images
35mm photoshoot
Noni lab
May Day, 1952
Weekend weather
Monk seals
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

—Paddle (As a canoe).

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“E kaupē aku nō i ka hoe a kō mai (Put forward the paddle and draw it back).”

—Lanakila Grosse, he haumāna ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo .

The University of �鶹��ý is inviting nominations and self-nominations for the position of interim chancellor to lead �鶹��ý Community College during the national search for a permanent chancellor. This follows the retirement of Chancellor Susan Kazama on July 31 after more than 40 years of service to the University of �鶹��ý.

The decision comes after UH President Wendy Hensel and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana hosted a campus forum on July 9 to discuss the college’s leadership transition, where approximately 80 attendees participated in person, and another 100 joined via Zoom. Faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community members provided additional feedback through an online form, resulting in more than 40 written responses.

“As promised, we carefully considered the feedback regarding the three leadership options presented during the forum,” said Hensel and Hokoana in a July 21 email to the campus. “Based on the strong support expressed during the forum and through written comments, we will appoint a dedicated interim chancellor focused exclusively on �鶹��ý Community College while the search for a permanent chancellor begins.”

Until the interim chancellor is appointed, Hokoana will provide leadership for the campus.

Ideal candidates

The university seeks candidates with a UH affiliation and significant leadership or administrative experience. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting �鶹��ý CC‘s students, faculty, and staff while understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing the college and �鶹��ý Island.

The selected interim chancellor will be eligible to apply for the permanent position once the national search commences in the upcoming academic year. Self-nominations must include a brief statement of interest (one page or less) and a current curriculum vitae. Qualified nominees will be contacted to confirm their interest.

Nominations and self-nominations should be submitted by July 31 to ur@hawaii.edu.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel presented a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) strategy to the (BOR) on July 16 at UH Mānoa, detailing a bold vision to accelerate AI training and adoption across the university system and serve the needs of �鶹��ý.

Likening the technology to “the new electricity,” the presentation emphasized the urgency to prepare �鶹��ý’s workforce for a rapidly shifting landscape. Hensel highlighted industry statistics, noting that one-third of entry-level jobs now require AI skills, and 80% of hiring managers consider AI competency a priority when evaluating candidates.

“Because this is here, it is going to radically transform what we do, and the failure to talk about it as an institution of higher education means that we will constantly be reacting rather than setting the course for our students, our faculty, staff and the state,” said Hensel during her presentation at the BOR meeting.

To meet this demand, the university has adopted a holistic approach to AI that spans governance, curriculum, workforce development, research and operations. A cornerstone of this approach is the newly adopted UH AI Policy, which establishes guidelines for the “responsible and ethical use of AI technologies,” promoting transparency, accountability and fairness across the university community. To implement this vision, UH has formed a dedicated AI Task Force focused on Hawaiian culture and values, ethics and governance, and curriculum and pedagogy.

More than 100 AI-infused courses

The university currently boasts more than 100 new or AI-infused courses and has launched new AI certificates, concentrations and programs at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, UH Maui College, UH West Oʻahu and Honolulu Community College. Furthermore, nearly 100 instructors from across the system have been supported in developing and incorporating AI-related assignments into their classes.

The university is also prioritizing hands-on experiential learning. Initiatives such as EL3vate provide intense faculty professional development to weave AI and design thinking into course curricula, while AI Innovation@RISE offers students systemwide opportunities to work directly with industry partners on real-world tech needs in �鶹��ý.

Beyond the 10 campus system, UH is providing resources to the public. The is a free, open-access, 12-chapter foundational course offering training and applied learning for communities across the islands. UH is collaborating with tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, and is proposed as a regional anchor to adapt AI curriculum co-created with MIT. All of these tools, community practices and resources are centralized on the .

“It’s going to happen whether we embrace it or not, and the important thing is that we decide how we deploy it and use it through a position of information and knowledge, and not reacting to the winds of change,” said Hensel during her presentation.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on recent leadership transitions in her report at the July 16 monthly meeting.

The updates included changes at �鶹��ý Community College, UH Mānoa and the VP of Academic Strategy. Hensel discussed next steps for the University Laboratory School partnership, the interim adoption of the Time, Place and Manner policy, and the modernization of student housing, and highlighted several bright spots across the UH campuses, including the demolition of Hale Noelani to make way for modern student housing, massive research milestones at the UH Cancer Center, and a $5-million investment in UH Athletics.

She also recognized UH recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service, including the Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Team of the Year.

• �鶹��ý CC chancellor transition ()
• UH Mānoa leadership and VP of Academic Strategy updates ()
• University Lab School agreement ()
• Time, Place and Manner policy update ()
• Hale Noelani demolition ()
• Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and NIH funding ()
• NIL funding commitments for UH Athletics ()
• Governor’s Awards ()

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH ����ԴDz�’s Shea McNulty, an undergraduate studying psychology and art.

McNulty shared, “This is a film picture (35mm) taken during a photoshoot for a local small business. I study film photography at UH, and had an amazing opportunity to showcase my skills in a beautiful place.”

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Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

—Wild ginger.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“Nui nā ʻawapuhi i koʻu māla (There is plenty of ginger in my garden).”

—Haʻaheo, he haumāna ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo .

In a major step toward expanding educational access and affordability, Gov. Josh Green signed into law HB 2338 CD1 as Act 235, providing critical updates to the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges’ . The new law removes the program’s “last-dollar” restriction, allowing students to keep more of their additional scholarship resources while the state continues to cover up to 95% of tuition. As a result, students can use federal Pell Grants and private scholarships to help pay for essential living expenses and basic needs costs such as housing, food, transportation and other education-related costs.

The program’s impact is reflected in the experiences of students such as Kapiʻolani CC student Kanako Horner. “The �鶹��ý Promise Program has lifted the majority of the financial burden associated with my education, allowing me the opportunity to explore my career goals and further my education.”

While �鶹��ý Promise is one of 38 statewide Promise programs nationwide, it was previously the only one that required outside grants and scholarships to be deducted from a student’s state award.

“This legislation is a vital change that will directly support more residents across our islands,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “By restructuring the award to maximize a student’s total financial aid, they can now use additional scholarship resources for essential costs like housing, food and transportation—making a college education more affordable for local families.”

Act 235 builds upon the �鶹��ý Promise Program’s proven track record of helping local residents pursue higher education despite �鶹��ý high cost of living.

Proven impact and academic excellence

In academic year 2024–25, the �鶹��ý Promise Program demonstrated its impact:

• Distributed $5.69 million to 1,941 recipients, with an average award of $2,933.
• Served the 22% of recipients who demonstrated financial need but did not qualify for federal Pell Grants.
• Recipients earned more credits on average (17.9 vs. 13.0) and maintained higher GPAs (2.89 vs. 2.73) than their non-recipient peers.

Long-term outcomes

Since 2017, the �鶹��ý Promise Program has served 11,921 recipients, achieving a 70% overall success rate—defined as earning a degree or certificate, transferring to a four-year institution or remaining actively enrolled. Just 30% of recipients have stopped out, meaning they are no longer enrolled and have not yet completed a credential, a rate well below the national average of 45%.

�鶹��ý is strengthening one of its most effective college affordability initiatives, ensuring the �鶹��ý Promise Program can help even more residents complete their education while supporting the state’s workforce and economic future.

The ʻohana came together to chart the path forward during a special campus forum on July 9 addressing the upcoming chancellor transition. Held in the campus cafeteria and virtually via Zoom, the event drew about 80 attendees in person and 100 online. UH President Wendy Hensel and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana led the listening session, aiming to gather feedback to inform decisions regarding interim leadership.

With Chancellor Susan Kazama set to retire on July 31, the forum focused on protecting the college’s strong momentum. Three options were presented for community feedback: having the vice president for community colleges temporarily step in, appointing a dedicated interim chancellor focused solely on �鶹��ý CC, or exploring a temporary, unified islandwide leadership structure with UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin.

Guided by student success

Hensel emphasized that the ultimate choice will be guided by shared voices, stability and student success.

Hensel said. “Our priority today is to listen. We want to ensure that whatever path we choose for our interim leadership honors your kuleana (responsibility) to place and keeps our students first.”

Engagement was high, with participants submitting dozens of questions both in advance and during the live event. Topics covered institutional autonomy, transparent communication and the selection timeline.

The forum marks the beginning of an open conversation. UH leadership will now use the community’s feedback to appoint an interim leader, ensuring continuous support for the campus before launching a full search for �鶹��ý CC‘s permanent chancellor.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Patrick Williams of UH ����ԴDz�’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

Williams shared, “Students Samantha Iha (left) and Yanli He (right) in Assistant Professor Nan Jiang’s lab working with noni extracts.”

Previous Images
May Day, 1952
Weekend weather
Monk seals
Chainsaw ice
Dundee under a Kīlauea sun
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.