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 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.

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 .

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on December 15, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect and express my heartfelt mahalo. In just a few weeks, I will mark one year as president of the University of �鶹��ý, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary university in one of the most beautiful and meaningful places in the world.

Throughout the past year, I’ve spent time on our campuses and had the chance to get to know many of you. I have seen your dedication up close in how you learn, work and support one another, especially during moments of challenge and accomplishment. That care is felt everywhere.

To our students, mahalo for placing your trust in UH and for bringing your ideas, energy and voices to our campuses. You inspire us and remind us daily of the purpose of our work.

To our faculty and staff, mahalo for your dedication to teaching, research, service and student success. Your expertise and compassion are the foundation of this institution and make a lasting difference across our state.

As we enter the holiday season, I hope you’re able to rest, recharge and spend meaningful time with loved ones. May this be a time of reflection, renewal and gratitude.

I am so honored to continue this journey with you and look forward to the year ahead as we listen, learn and build together.

With warmest aloha and best wishes for the holidays,

Wendy Hensel
President, University of �鶹��ý

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

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the most recent federal policy changes, and outlined how UH is responding, at the March 20 Board of Regents monthly meeting held at Windward Community College.

Hensel gave an overview of the actions and the impacts on the executive orders by the White House. Her presentation was based on her systemwide forum presentation on March 14 with updates that have happened since that time.

Federal Action Forum:

• VIDEO
• VIDEO

She emphasized that there have been no changes to services for students because of the executive orders.

Hensel also highlighted several positive news items:

• UH ����ԴDz� athletics director search launched — ()
• UH ����ԴDz� ranks high in QS World Ranking by subject — ()
• Basic needs grant awarded to UH — ()
• — ()
• UH Wāhine basketball team earns postseason spot — ()

In a special livestreamed address to the University of �鶹��ý 10 campuses and the UH Board of Regents on February 6, UH President Wendy Hensel acknowledged the significant impact of recent federal policy changes on higher education. With multiple executive orders issued by the new administration, Hensel outlined the changes affecting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) programs, research funding, immigration enforcement and Title IX protections.

“While we do not have all the answers, I believe it is important at this point to share with you what we do know and how we plan to proceed as a community,” said Hensel. “I want to assure members of our community that leaders from across the university are meeting regularly and working hard in conjunction with the Board of Regents to determine how we will respond to these orders.”

Hensel also recognized the uncertainty these shifts create, but assured the UH community that leaders across the university are working closely with state and federal officials to navigate these challenges. While UH must comply with the law, she emphasized that federal civil rights and state antidiscrimination laws remain in effect, as well as accreditation requirements related to diversity and equity.

“In the days ahead, we will work together as a community to determine what the law requires and what this university must do in response,” said Hensel. “We no doubt will be faced with difficult choices on which reasonable people will disagree in good faith. We must not let that diminish our resolve to face these issues together.”

Hensel announced the formation of an advisory council that will ensure transparent communication and provide a forum for community input. Additionally, UH will continue to work closely with �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s congressional delegation, Gov. Josh Green’s office, the state attorney general and community partners to advocate for the university’s mission.

“Our faith in the significance and honor of what we do at the university remains strong,” said Hensel. “Our work is critical and transformative for our individual students, our communities, our economy and our world. We will continue to celebrate and elevate our mission to advance knowledge and enrich society as we navigate these changes.”

Hensel also reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to its core values.

“As we weather changes that may feel overwhelming at times, do not lose sight of what remains constant and certain,” said Hensel. “Most importantly, every individual on our campuses is a vital member of our ʻohana. No matter where you came from, who you are, what you believe or who you love, we see you, and you are welcome here.”

Below is a complete transcription of the UH president’s speech.

February 6, 2025 Special Address by UH President Hensel

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on January 29, 2025.

Aloha UH students, faculty and staff,

Most of you are likely aware of a series of federal executive orders issued over the last week that have created some uncertainty in our community. Just this week, a memorandum was released (and rescinded) that temporarily paused some grants, loans, and financial assistance while the federal government aligns with the new administration’s priorities. I am writing to assure our community that we are paying close attention to these developments and working to address issues as they are identified.

Related: President Hensel addresses federal policy changes, reaffirms commitment to community, February 6, 2025

We are in regular communication with �鶹��ý’s congressional delegation, Gov. Josh Green’s office, the state attorney general, and key federal and community partners so that we may collaborate effectively through this rapidly evolving situation. We are unified in our commitment to ensuring that UH continues to deliver on its core mission of educating all students, fostering innovative research, and creating a welcoming and respectful environment on our campuses.

Because information is changing in real time, it will be important in the days ahead to neither overreact or underreact as the situation evolves. We will continue to monitor events and share updates with our community as we have more information.

Mahalo nui loa for your patience and support,

Wendy Hensel
UH President

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel toured the campus on January 22 and 23, meeting with students, faculty, staff and leadership as part of her tour of UH’s 10 campuses and six education centers in her first 90 days.

“We all have our own special role to fill and certainly the R1 here at UH ����ԴDz� is an enormous part of that,” Hensel said. “If we can work together, we can elevate the entire system for every one of our students to places we can’t go alone. I’m really excited about that.”

The two-day visit began with a meeting with the UH ����ԴDz� Cabinet, led by Provost Michael Bruno, followed by a campus-wide welcome ceremony on the �鶹��ý Hall lawn, where more than 200 people were in attendance. She also spent the morning touring several culturally significant sites on campus.

“New beginnings and the hope of what’s in front of us and the absolute open arms that people greeted me with,” Hensel said. “More than that, the feeling and the depth of history that’s behind everything on this campus and the culture—I’m just so touched.”

The day continued with a meeting with the ��ū������ʻ�� Council, a lunch with student leaders from the Associated Students of the University of �鶹��ý and the Graduate Student Organization, and discussions with the UH ����ԴDz� Staff Senate.

An open forum at the Campus Center Ballroom concluded the day, and more than 200 people attended in person or watched via livestream. Attendees shared their concerns and thoughts and asked Hensel questions on a wide range of topics including graduate student assistance, general education requirements, generative artificial intelligence and more.

On January 23, Hensel went on a campus tour that lasted almost an hour-and-a-half and met with the UH ����ԴDz� Faculty Senate.

Throughout her visit, Hensel highlighted her commitment to fostering connections and understanding the unique characteristics of each campus. Her presence underscored her intent to engage directly with the university community to build relationships and gain insights.

“Here at UH ����ԴDz�, we recognize we have a special kuleana,” Bruno said. “We are the flagship campus—20,000 students, 5,000 employees and almost 100 academic programs. It’s meaningful for us that the importance, [the] role that we play in the system is recognized and that she will be spending two days here on campus, meeting all of our members of our community.”

UH ����ԴDz� was the second campus Hensel visited statewide after starting with UH West Oʻahu on January 14.

President Hensel’s campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Monday, January 27 –
• Monday, February 3 –
• Wednesday, February 5 – Leeward CC
• Monday, February 10 –
• Tuesday, February 11 –
• Tuesday, February 18 –
• Monday, February 24 –
• Tuesday February 25 – and
• Monday, March 3 – and
• Tuesday, March 4 –
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the UH community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

Oli (chants) were offered outside the Nāulu Center at the University of �鶹��ý–W����� Oʻahu on January 14, marking the start of a traditional ceremony to welcome new UH President Wendy Hensel, who officially started on January 1. The Native Hawaiian protocol honored Hensel’s arrival, and formally extended an invitation to the campus. The UH West Oʻahu visit is Hensel’s first stop on a tour of the 10-campus UH system and education centers throughout her first 90 days on the job.

“There’s so much heart here. There’s so many people who are deeply invested in this university,” said Hensel. “For me to be a champion of this community I need to understand that. I’m beyond excited to make the personal connections, to hear the stories, to really understand the place and the ʻāina (land) and ʻohana (family).”

Honoring Honouliuli

A highlight of the ceremony was the chanting of Mele Honouliuli by UH West Oʻahu faculty, staff and students. The chant honors the Honouliuli ahupuaʻa, the area where the nearly 300-acre campus sits.

“It really is an opportunity for everyone, our visitors, newcomers like the president, as well as those people who are Indigenous to this place to always recognize the shoulders on which we stand,” said UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham. “That’s why it’s so important that we do a kīpaepae (protocol tradition) of welcome.”

Building connections

Throughout the day, Hensel met with governance groups, faculty, staff and the campus leadership team, emphasizing her dedication to pilina, a Native Hawaiian concept of interconnectedness and enduring relationships.

UH West Oʻahu sociology major and student leader Aralen Hāʻilima Haiola described UH’s new president as genuine and authentic.

“One of my big takeaways was probably just knowing that she’s here for our students,” said Haiola. “She’s not here just to ʻdrop the ship’ as she said. She’s gonna stay here. She’s gonna continue to see us. She’s going to continue to be a big supporter of all the students. And we’re her favorites, so I love that part!”

The visit concluded with an open forum on the West Oʻahu campus, providing approximately 80 students and employees in attendance with an opportunity to share their insights directly. Similar forums will take place at every campus on Hensel’s tour.

President Hensel campus/education centers visit schedule

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Tuesday, January 14 –
• Wednesday, January 22 –
• Thursday, January 23 – UH Mānoa
• Monday, January 27 –
• Monday, February 3 –
• Wednesday, February 5 – Leeward CC
• Monday, February 10 –
• Tuesday, February 11 –
• Tuesday, February 18 –
• Monday, February 24 –
• Tuesday February 25 – and
• Monday, March 3 – and
• Tuesday, March 4 –
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the UH community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .