University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board’s April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for �鶹��ý’s people this year.

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in UH Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked UH ����ԴDz� women’s water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves ()
• UH Giving Day breaks record ()
• Rainbow Wahine water polo ()

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on March 24, 2026.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

We know that the severe weather and flooding over the past two weeks impacted members of our UH community in many different ways. Some of our students and employees are dealing with damage to homes, transportation challenges, lost belongings and other disruptions that make it difficult to focus on classes and work.

Please know that the university is committed to supporting members of our UH ʻohana during this time.

Students experiencing challenges from these events are encouraged to reach out to their instructors and academic advisors as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances. Faculty and supervisors are asked to continue showing flexibility and understanding as students and employees manage recovery from storm-related impacts. Please monitor your hawaii.edu email account for campus specific information.

Employees experiencing storm-related hardship are encouraged to speak with their supervisors and their campus human resources office about available options and support resources.

Available Resources

Financial aid and basic needs support for students is available through campus-based emergency assistance programs and through the UH Foundation, which works closely with the university to help provide support for students and employees facing unexpected hardship. Information about available assistance can be found here:

• Financial Aid
• Basic Needs Resources

Anyone experiencing stress or emotional strain related to the storm impacts is encouraged to reach out to available counseling and support resources:

• Student mental health resources
• UH Employee Assistance Program

As recovery efforts continue across the state, please continue monitoring your hawaii.edu email and campus communications channels for updates and additional support opportunities.

Mahalo to everyone across our 10 campuses who continue to show care and flexibility for one another during this time.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
UH President

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the UH ����ԴDz� chancellor search and progress on the eBanner student information system transition in her monthly report during the board’s March 19 meeting.

Hensel delivered her report virtually from Portland, Oregon, where the UH ����ԴDz� Rainbow Warriors men’s basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Hensel also recognized a $1.2-million NASA-funded research project led by UH Hilo focused on coastal resilience, as well as UH Maui College’s Hale ����貹ʻ�� (small structures) program, which is supporting wildfire recovery efforts while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

• UH ����ԴDz� chancellor search ()
• eBanner update ()
• UH ����ԴDz� basketball, Go ʻBows! ()
• UH ROTC victory ()
• UH Hilo NASA research project ()
• UH Maui Hale ����貹ʻ�� (small structures) program ()

The University of �鶹��ý has officially launched a national search to select the next chancellor of UH ����ԴDz�, re-establishing the position to ensure dedicated executive leadership for the flagship campus of the UH 10-campus system, the state’s only public higher education system.

Currently, the UH president also holds UH ����ԴDz� chancellor responsibilities, while academic affairs, research, enrollment management and student affairs are led by the UH ����ԴDz� provost. Splitting the roles was discussed by the Board of Regents during the 2024 presidential search. UH ����ԴDz� is the only UH campus without a dedicated chancellor. While this hybrid structure has provided continuity, it does not offer ����ԴDz� the same level of focused executive representation and advocacy as the other UH campuses.

In August 2025, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) released a report evaluating the UH System Structure that recommended separating the two positions. The Board of Regents subsequently formed a permitted interaction group to study the issue and, in December, voted to accept the recommendation and re-establish the UH ����ԴDz� chancellor position.

“We initially anticipated launching a fall 2026 search. However, it has become clear that moving forward now is in the best interests of both UH ����ԴDz� and the 10-campus system—a decision unanimously supported by the ����ԴDz� Faculty Senate,” said UH President Wendy Hensel in a February 25, 2026 email to the UH ����ԴDz� campus (below). “Not only is this a critically important leadership position, but the challenging federal landscape, reorganization conversations and changes in AI and other technology make clear this is an inflection moment for the campus and the system.”

Hensel said the search will be inclusive, transparent and engaged and announced that David Karl, UH ����ԴDz� director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, and former UH regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the search committee.

Next steps

Each step in the search will be communicated widely as they occur and include:

• Formation of a representative search advisory committee
• Open nomination and application period (approximately one month)
• Campus visits by finalists, including open forums and stakeholder meetings, before the end of the spring semester
• Committee recommendation of finalists to the UH president
• UH president recommendation of the selected candidate to the Board of Regents for consideration and approval
• Anticipated start date: fall 2026

Chancellor responsibilities

The chancellor will serve as the chief executive officer of UH ����ԴDz�, reporting to the UH president and serving on the president’s senior leadership team. The chancellor will oversee a budget exceeding $800 million and more than 5,000 employees and will provide strategic leadership across academic affairs, research, student success, enrollment and administrative operations in collaboration with the provost and executive team.

The chancellor is also expected to advance UH ����ԴDz�’s mission as �鶹��ý’s flagship research university while upholding its responsibility to the Native Hawaiian community, language and culture, and strengthening its connections across �鶹��ý, the Pacific and Asia.

For more information, .

UH ����ԴDz�

Founded in 1907, UH ����ԴDz� is a globally recognized center of learning and research with a kuleana to serve the people and places of �鶹��ý and its neighbors across the Pacific and Asia. The university cultivates creative and innovative leaders who mālama people, places and ways of knowing to sustain and transform �鶹��ý and the world. As a Land-, Sea-, Space- and Sun-Grant university, UH ����ԴDz� serves more than 20,000 students across 14 colleges and schools, offering 97 bachelor’s, 86 master’s and 56 doctoral degree programs.

UH ����ԴDz� is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) institution and is internationally recognized as one of the nation’s top research universities, with research and development awards totaling $570 million in fiscal year 2024–25. The campus maintains particular strengths in ocean and earth sciences, astronomy and Asia-Pacific studies and plays a central role in �鶹��ý’s economic development, civic engagement and community outreach through its commitment to teaching, scholarship and service.

UH President Hensel’s message to UH ����ԴDz�

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� on February 25, 2026.

Aloha UH ����ԴDz� students, faculty, staff and administrators.

I am pleased to announce that we have started an immediate search to select the next Chancellor of UH ����ԴDz�, with the goal of naming a new leader by summer 2026.

Currently, I have responsibilities both as the System President and the ����ԴDz� Chancellor. During the search for my position in 2024, the Board of Regents raised the possibility of splitting these roles. UH ����ԴDz� is currently the only UH campus without an exclusive chancellor. While the current hybrid structure has helped maintain continuity, it does not provide ����ԴDz� with the same level of focused executive representation and advocacy.

In August 2025, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) released a report evaluating the University of �鶹��ý System structure. It recommended that UH split the two positions, and the Board of Regents formed a permitted interaction group to study the issue. This past December, the Board of Regents voted to accept the recommendation and re-establish the UH ����ԴDz� Chancellor position.

We initially anticipated launching a fall 2026 search. However, it has become clear that moving forward now is in the best interests of both UH ����ԴDz� and the 10-campus system — a decision unanimously supported by the ����ԴDz� Faculty Senate. Not only is this a critically important leadership position, but the challenging federal landscape, reorganization conversations, and changes in AI and other technology make clear this is an inflection moment for the campus and the system. Moreover, because the new chancellor should be involved in several leadership searches now pending across ����ԴDz�, further delay creates a ripple effect on stability.

Search approach and timeline

A national search is now underway that will be inclusive, transparent and engaged. I am very pleased to announce that David Karl, UH ����ԴDz� director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, and former UH regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the search committee.

Each step in the search will be communicated widely as they occur and include:

Next steps:

• Formation of a representative search advisory committee that includes shared governance groups
• Open nomination and application period (one month)
• Campus visits by finalists, including open forums and stakeholder meetings, before the end of the spring semester
• Committee recommendation of finalists to the UH president
• UH president recommendation of the selected candidate to the Board of Regents for consideration and approval

The goal is to identify and appoint the next UH ����ԴDz� Chancellor with a start date as early as July 2026.

I am excited about these next steps and look forward to engaging with you throughout the process. Mahalo for your continued commitment to UH ����ԴDz� and the University of �鶹��ý.

With aloha,

Wendy Hensel
UH President

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the transition to the upgraded eBanner student information system for UH’s 10 campuses and the latest Direct2UH enrollment numbers during her monthly BOR report at the board’s February 19 meeting at the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Hensel also highlighted the start of an exploratory effort to strengthen coordination between the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the UH Cancer Center and the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) certificate at UH Hilo.

• eBanner update ()
• Direct2UH update ()
• JABSOM/Cancer Center initiative ()
• School of Travel Industry Management’s 60th anniversary ()
• UH Hilo AI certificate ()
• UH Hilo athletics, Go Vulcans! ()
• UH ����ԴDz� athletics, Go ʻBows! ()

University of �鶹��ý alumni and friends braved the winter weather to gather in New York City to meet UH President Wendy Hensel and celebrate �鶹��ý ties in January at the first (UHFAR) Pau Hana of 2026.

The gathering of about 50 was part of UHFAR’s ongoing effort to strengthen bonds between UH alumni and the university. Hensel spoke about the challenges facing the UH system, achievements across campuses, and the powerful role alumni play in supporting students.

“The accomplishments of our alumni demonstrate the power of a UH education,” Hensel said. “When alumni share their stories, support our students, and champion the value of higher education, they amplify our mission in ways no one else can.”

Her message struck a chord with those in the room, inspiring attendees to reflect on how their UH experiences continue to impact their lives.

“Staying connected to the UH ʻohana in New York means carrying �鶹��ý with me—its values, its community and its spirit—no matter how far I roam,” said 2006 UH ����ԴDz� graduate Colonel Rance Lee. “President Hensel’s speech reminded me that our shared roots aren’t just memories; they’re a living bond that continues to guide and unite us.”

Staying connected

The event took place at Arader Galleries, a renowned art and rare book gallery on Madison Avenue. The evening was lively and warm, with alumni from a wide range of industries filling the gallery with conversation and photo-worthy moments.

“As a proud UH ����ԴDz� alumni, connecting with fellow alumni in New York always feels grounding. It brings us back to our time in �鶹��ý, reminds us to slow down, stay present and appreciate the people around us, while living in NYC,” said 2011 UH ����ԴDz� graduate Travonté Taylor.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the Inaugural President’s 10-Campus Address, the start of the 2026 Legislative session and the UH ����ԴDz� chancellor search during her President’s Report at the board’s first meeting of 2026 held at Windward Community College on Thursday, January 15.

Hensel also highlighted the launch of a strategic exploration of a unified vision for UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots, now available across all UH campuses; and increase in applications attributed to the Direct2UH initiative, which aims to give �鶹��ý public high school students a more seamless transition from high school to higher education.

• Inaugural 10-campus Address ()
• 2026 Legislative season underway ()
• Federal update ()
• New student information system ()
• UH ����ԴDz� chancellor search ()
• Leeward CC/UH West Oʻahu exploration ()
• AI chatbots success ()
• Direct2UH update ()
• UH ����ԴDz� recognition ()

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel delivered her inaugural systemwide address on January 14, outlining key accomplishments from 2025, addressing challenges facing higher education and setting priorities for the year ahead across UH’s 10-campus system.

The livestreamed address marked the beginning of a new annual tradition intended to promote transparency, accountability and engagement with the UH community. Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1, 2025, framed the address as an opportunity to reflect on progress while charting a clear path forward for the university.

“Today is really a down payment on our commitment to transparency,” Hensel said. “We’ve been trying to do a lot of town halls and conversations about what’s going on in a very difficult time when it’s not so easy to talk about what’s happening. This is our attempt to make sure you know what we’re doing—that we’re delivering the value that the state expects—and also to identify where you can get involved to help us reach where we all want to go together.”

In her remarks, Hensel highlighted major developments from the past year and priorities going into 2026, including enrollment across the 10 campuses topping 51,000 in fall 2025, the highest in eight years; the launch of Direct2UH, an initiative that streamlines admission to UH for �鶹��ý public high school seniors; advancing artificial intelligence across the UH System; building an integrated workforce ecosystem; improving student success, including graduation and retention rates; record extramural funding in FY2025 amid increased uncertainty in 2026; capital improvement project requests; current landscape of collegiate athletics, including the impact of NIL; and UH’s financial outlook, including state appropriations, tuition and fees, grants and reserves.

She also acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the university, such as swiftly changing federal policies, and cuts to federal research grants and awards, as well as underscored the need for continued dialogue and systemwide alignment as UH navigates a rapidly changing higher education landscape in �鶹��ý and across the nation.

The address was livestreamed to ensure broad access for faculty, staff, students and community members across the state.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on January 12, 2026.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As a new semester and new years begins, our 10 campuses are once again filled with energy, purpose and possibility. This moment, when classrooms reopen, projects restart and goals come into focus, offers a chance to reset and remember why our work matters to our students, our communities and these islands.

For me, it always starts and ends with our students. Your wellbeing, your experience at UH and your success beyond graduation guide our decisions and priorities. The world you are entering is changing rapidly, and our responsibility is to prepare you not just to navigate it, but to shape it.

None of this would be possible without our faculty, staff and administrators, those who teach, advise, mentor and support our students every day, and who make our 10-campus system work. The past year has brought a lot of change, some beyond our control and some of our own making, and I am deeply grateful for your openness, candor and commitment to continuous improvement. Your feedback, especially constructive feedback, ensures we stay on the right path.

Inaugural 10-campus system address

As I complete my first year as president, it is time for me to report back to all of you. I invite you to tune in Wednesday, January 14 at 5 p.m. to a livestream of my inaugural 10-Campus System Address, an annual event moving forward. I will share a recap of 2025, highlight successes and challenges and outline where we are headed in 2026. This is part of my commitment to transparency and accountability with my most important stakeholders: all of you. The livestream information will be sent out later this week.

Looking ahead

As this semester unfolds, I encourage each of us to step outside our comfort zones. For students, that may mean joining a club, attending a campus event for the first time or trying something new. For faculty and staff, it may mean exploring new approaches, building partnerships or participating in initiatives that move our system forward. Progress is built on curiosity, connection and shared purpose.

Here’s to a semester grounded in curiosity, care and collective progress.

With aloha,
Wendy F. Hensel
President, University of �鶹��ý

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1, 2025, will deliver her inaugural systemwide address, providing an overview of how UH’s 10 campuses are progressing amid significant changes in higher education in �鶹��ý and nationwide. The event marks the beginning of what will be an annual tradition.

The livestreamed address will highlight key accomplishments from 2025, identify challenges facing the university, and outline goals and priorities for the year ahead, while promoting transparency and deeper engagement with the UH community.

“My intention with this address is to foster transparency, accountability and deeper community engagement across our UH system. It’s important that you know how this administration is working on your behalf and how you can engage in creating a stronger university,” Hensel said in a systemwide email on January 8.

The address will take place on January 14, at 5 p.m. A recording will be posted afterward for those unable to watch live.

Hensel also emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue as UH navigates a pivotal moment for higher education in �鶹��ý and beyond.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .