public administration | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:43:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg public administration | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news 32 32 28449828 鶹ýԴDz nursing student, medic assists in Waialua flood response /news/2026/03/31/jolene-chun-nurse-medic/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:39:54 +0000 /news/?p=231542 Jolene Chun assisted the National Guard in the Waialua flood response during spring break.

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Jolene Chun shakes hands with Gov. Green
Jolene Chun meets with Gov. Josh Green during a briefing on flood rescue and safety efforts at Otake Camp in Waialua.

During spring break, University of 鶹ý at ԴDz nursing student Jolene Chun joined National Guard search and rescue efforts in high-risk flood zones in Waialua to help ensure the safety of residents and property during the state evacuation order in March. Chun, a state-activated 鶹ý Air National Guard Staff Sergeant medic with the U.S. Air Force, is pursuing her advanced degree through the (GEPN) in the (SONDH).

Jolene Chun heashots
Jolene Chun

“The most impactful moment during the search was witnessing the devastation of mass amounts of property and vehicles displaced due to the powerful impact of the flood,” Chun said.

Chun earned her bachelor of arts in with a concentration in disaster preparedness and management from UH West Oʻahu in 2021. Her decision to serve as a medic in the 鶹ý Air National Guard was influenced in part by educational opportunities, including tuition assistance that supported her undergraduate degree.

Her training in the GEPN program built on her clinical experience as a medic, strengthening her ability to respond in high-pressure situations.

“The program helped me render aid with definitive treatments in mind, which made me more confident assisting in the field,” she said.

Even to make the smallest difference, I will answer the call.
—Jolene Chun

Balancing both roles, Chun said the skills complement each other and reinforce a shared focus on patient care, making her immediate decision to assist during spring break instinctive.

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to assist in responding to people in the community. Even to make the smallest difference, I will answer the call,” she said.

A long-term commitment to service

National Guard members and Gov. Green
Chun and fellow National Guard members with Gov. Green.

Chun plans to graduate in 2028 and commission as a 鶹ý Air National Guard nurse, eventually pursuing the to continue serving 鶹ý communities. In addition to focusing on women’s wellness, she aims to help improve coordination across federal, state, city and private sectors to expand access to healthcare.

As the affected communities continue cleaning and rebuilding, Chun reflects on the ongoing efforts. “I am appreciative that the National Guard members are still out there working with the community to help the land and people pick up the pieces to hopefully normalize after the effects of the Kona Low system.”

SONDH Dean Clementina Ceria-Ulep added, “Jolene’s dedication as a nursing student and medic showcases the remarkable service and leadership our students bring to 鶹ý communities.”

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鶹ýMānoa ranks top 12 in U.S. for oceanography, atmospheric science, tourism /news/2026/01/04/gras-ranking-2025/ Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:00:35 +0000 /news/?p=227779 The rankings are based on measures such as world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.

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three students sitting on a bench

The earned high marks in nearly 20 academic subjects in the , with , and leading the way among the highest-ranked programs.

Oceanography ranked No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 7 in the world, atmospheric science placed No. 8 nationally and No. 11 worldwide, and hospitality and tourism management ranked No. 12 in the U.S. and No. 32 in the world.

The rankings were released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy and is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of university performance by discipline.

UH Mānoa also posted strong global and national placements across science, engineering, social science and other fields. tied for No. 17 in the U.S. and ranked No. 51–75 worldwide, while ecology and each tied for No. 24 nationally and placed No. 76–100 globally.

Additional UH Mānoa subjects recognized in the 2025 rankings include communication, education, political science, water resources, biological sciences, civil engineering, food science and technology, environmental science and engineering, agricultural sciences, economics, management and physics.

“These rankings reflect the depth and consistency of excellence at UH Mānoa,” Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “Our faculty are advancing research that matters locally and globally, while preparing students to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world.”

UH Mānoa was evaluated alongside approximately 2,000 universities from more than 100 countries and regions, selected from a global pool of more than 25,000 institutions. The rankings are based on measures such as world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.

Other recent rankings:

For more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

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Mother and son will share a milestone at 鶹ýWest Oʻahu commencement /news/2025/12/08/mother-son-commencement/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:04:24 +0000 /news/?p=226587 Tanya Hōkūlani Racoma and her firstborn, son Brendan Isaiah ʻOnipaʻa Racoma will participate in UH West Oʻahu’s commencement ceremony on December 13.

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two graduates
Tanya Hōkūlani Racoma (right) and her son Brendan Isaiah ʻOnipaʻa Racoma

For the Racoma family, the ’s December commencement holds special significance because of who will be sharing the stage–Tanya Hōkūlani Racoma and her firstborn, son Brendan Isaiah ʻOnipaʻa Racoma.

Hōkū, as she is known, is a mother of three—ages 23, 16 and 13. She took a nearly two decades-long break from college to focus on raising her family.

“My biggest reason for coming back to school and completing my bachelor’s degree was to teach my kids when you start something, to always finish it,” said Hōkū, 43, a professional songwriter. “It was always a dream of mine.”

Hōkū and Brendan, of Waipahu, are among nearly 190 students participating in . Hōkū will graduate with honors, earning a bachelor of arts in humanities with a concentration in English and a certificate in music. Brendan will receive a bachelor of arts in public administration with a concentration in disaster preparedness and emergency management.

Hōkū and Brendan’s shared success resulted from similar paths (although different timelines)—both transferred to UH West Oʻahu after each attended two UH Community Colleges, and each earned two associate degrees and various certificates.

“We didn’t plan it,” Hōkū said and smiled. “It just happened like that.”

Brendan, like his mother, feels a strong sense of achievement as graduation nears. For him, navigating college life with work, as well as other obligations and responsibilities, came with inevitable challenges.

“Truthfully, in my point of view, it wasn’t easy,” Brendan said. “But it was really all worthwhile. And having mom with me is like an added bonus.”

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

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Can Shakuhachi and Haiku poems help kūpuna heal? /news/2024/12/17/shakuhachi-haiku-poems-for-kupna/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:50:01 +0000 /news/?p=207867 UH ԴDz researchers study the impact of shakuhachi flute and haiku poetry on kūpuna well-being and cultural healing.

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lee and takemoto
Yeonjung Jane Lee and Katsumi Takemoto

Two researchers from the University of 鶹ý at ԴDz are set to begin a pioneering study exploring an innovative blend of mindful meditation practices. Focusing on reflection with sensory integration, they will utilize the Japanese bamboo flute, shakuhachi and haiku poetry writing to shed new light inspiring the well-being of older adults (kūpuna).

Researchers Katsumi Takemoto and Yeonjung Jane Lee have shared insights from their work in the , bringing attention to the potential of these practices to foster healing and resilience within the community.

The study engages participants in sessions with the shakuhachi performed by Takemoto, into nature-inspired poetry. Data will be collected through pre- and post-session surveys and reflections, focusing on participants’ perceived mind-body experiences. The ultimate goal is to use the findings to develop accessible interventions that enhance the lives of kūpuna while potentially reducing healthcare costs.

Personal experience leads to study

Takemoto, a graduate and current master of social work student specializing in gerontology, is leading the study. She has practiced meditation since the age of eight and has more than forty years of expertise with the shakuhachi. Her commitment to fostering reflection and peace led her to play for hospice patients, creating what she describes as a “sacred space for self-reflection.”

takemoto with her shakuhachi
Katsumi Takemoto holding her shakuhachi.

“I’ve observed through the spirit of serving, when playing the natural sounds through bamboo, my shakuhachi becomes a living vessel, and has brought peace to those in physical or emotional pain that often go beyond what human language can express” said Takemoto. “This study is important to me because I believe cultural and Indigenous knowledge is healing medicine that must be respected and honored alongside the dominant Western medical model that society has adopted.”

Lee, an associate professor at the , highlighted the importance of integrating culturally responsive practices in health care for 鶹ý’s diverse kūpuna population.

“From a decolonizing perspective, it is critical to implement culturally responsive approaches, such as shakuhachi and haiku reflection, to promote the health and well-being of diverse older adults in 鶹ý,” said Lee. “Katsumi’s work is rooted in our community, and she has rich experience and a critical lens for cultural sensitivity and intersectionality. Katsumi’s compassion, expertise, sensitivity and cultural humility, just to name a few, shine in her work.”

“Through this research, we hope to illuminate the lives of our kūpuna with culturally grounded practices,” said Takemoto.

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Two generations of Dagdag ʻohana earn degrees from 鶹ýMaui College /news/2024/05/09/dagdag-ohana-uh-maui-college/ Thu, 09 May 2024 19:37:52 +0000 /news/?p=197224 Three members of the Dagdag family have earned multiple degrees and certificates from UH Maui College.

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Three grads in cap and gown
Seanna-Victoria, Frederick and Landyn-Angelie Dagdag

Two members of the Dagdag family will participate in ’s commencement ceremonies on May 9. Seanna-Victoria and her father Frederick have earned associate in arts degrees in liberal arts. In addition, Seanna-Victoria’s sister and Frederick’s daughter Landyn-Angelie, an early college student and Maui High School (MHS) class of 2024 graduating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

The learning legacy at UH Maui College spans two generations in a family of nurses, two degrees and multiple program certificates.

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag
Seanna-Victoria Dagdag

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS graduate, crossed my path during our high school outreach for fall registration when she was a senior. She expressed her ambition to become a pharmacist, and her dedication was evident in her academic achievements,” said Eri Nomura, UH Maui College academic counselor. “Following graduation, she seized the opportunity to obtain the pharmacy tech certification during the summer. This experience, I believe, led her to reconsider her career path, ultimately deciding to pursue nursing.”

Since earning her certified pharmacy technician national certification in spring 2022, Seanna-Victoria has been working at a CVS Pharmacy at Target. After graduating with her associate’s degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the UH Maui College nursing program in January 2025.

“Walking across the stage with my father beside me fills me with profound gratitude for his guidance, unwavering support, and countless lessons. His pursuit of education showcases his commitment to continuous learning. Graduating together is more than receiving diplomas; it’s about celebrating our shared journey and the endless possibilities ahead,” said Seanna-Victoria. “The University of 鶹ý Maui College has been pivotal in my academic growth, expanding my horizons and nurturing my personal development. Faculty dedication guided me, instilling purpose and pride, emphasizing that learning never ceases. I’m immensely grateful for the university’s role in shaping who I am today, laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.”

Frederick Dagdag, father

Frederick Dagdag
Frederick Dagdag

Frederick completed his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2023. He accepted an automatic admission offer, and is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree through UH West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he graduated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs 鶹ý.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I graduate from Maui College with an associate degree in liberal arts and a CO in information security. Returning to school to continue my education alongside my daughter, I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. This milestone is not only about academic achievement, but also about resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning,“ Frederick said.

“Maui College has given me the opportunity to earn an education while being close to home. In addition, UH Maui has provided me with numerous resources and a supportive community that have helped me, and countless others, to move forward in our educational accomplishments.”

Check out more stories of our UH spring graduates

Frederick added, “Sharing this moment with my daughter, who is also earning her associate degree in liberal arts, adds an extra sense of pride and joy. As we both step onto the stage together, we represent the spirit of determination and the belief that learning is a journey with no age limits.”

—By Valerie Matsunaga

Dagdag family tossing their graduation caps

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International law, dispute resolution focus of international workshop /news/2023/11/09/international-law-dispute-resolution-workshop/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:52:52 +0000 /news/?p=186840 The workshop offered an opportunity for researchers in this niche area to network and collaborate on future projects.

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people sitting on tables in a ballroom
The workshop was held in a hybrid format, with in person attendees at Campus Center.

An international legal affairs and dispute resolution workshop that featured more than 35 presentations was hosted and managed by a multidisciplinary team of experts at the University of 鶹ý at ԴDz, bringing together more than 60 experts in the field.

The four-day event in October 2023 was organized by the Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction (LADR), and co-sponsored by the Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The workshop was supported by Hensel Phelps, UH ԴDz and the UH ԴDz (CECE).

The workshop was held in a hybrid format at the UH ԴDz Campus Center, and was attended by 63 participants, of whom 35 were online, and 28 were on-site. A total of 36 presentations were made and accompanied by full-length manuscripts that will be published in the peer-reviewed Journal of LADR. The workshop offered an opportunity for researchers in this niche area to network and collaborate on future projects.

people in uniforms carrying flags
The opening session included a color guard ceremony by the UH Navy ROTC.

The workshop started with an introduction from Lance VanDemark of Vertex Engineering, CO, who served as the primary guest editor of the special collection of this workshop. Keynote speeches were given by Professor John Barkai of the UH ԴDz , Professor Robert Robinson of the and Ulrike Quapp, an attorney from HTWK Leipzig, Germany. Morgen Johansen, UH ԴDz chair, and Song Choi, College of Engineering assistant dean, gave welcome addresses. The opening session included a color guard ceremony by the UH Navy ROTC, and the Star Spangled Banner and 鶹ý ʴDzԴʻī were sung by Yamilet Garcia of the .

“The workshop was a great success,” said Professor Amarjit Singh of the UH ԴDz CECE, who organized and chaired the event, and is also the editor-in-chief of the LADR journal. “Invaluable assistance was offered by CECE graduate students, Lt. Col. James Walton, TA Rumesh Senthilnathan, Lt. Kim Long Le, East-West Center Fellow Kalen Eyre, Cpt. Kevin Corizzi and East-West Center Fellow Menghong An. All in all, the workshop owes its success to the collaborative effort of faculty and staff from multiple departments and schools of UH.”

Singh also acknowledged the assistance from the IT staff from CECE, and students from the who helped manage the hybrid sessions.

Also part of the conference was a welcome reception and a cultural tour to the Polynesian Cultural Center, which was supported by Hensel Phelps.

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Oceanography, atmospheric sciences, more highly ranked for program excellence /news/2023/10/29/global-rankings-by-subject-2023/ Sun, 29 Oct 2023 18:00:50 +0000 /news/?p=185944 In total, 14 subjects placed in the world's top 1%.

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person with a book sitting under a tree

The is highly ranked in a variety of subject areas, according to two of the premier comprehensive subject rankings in the world.

The placed No. 7 in the U.S. and No. 17 in the world, the ranked No. 10 in the U.S. and No. 13 in the world and the placed No. 18 in the U.S. and No. 49 in the world, according to the (GRAS) released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. The oceanography and atmospheric sciences departments are out of the , and the TIM school is housed in the .

In total, 14 subjects placed in the top 1% in the world (top 250 out of more than 25,000 colleges and universities worldwide) in both the and the GRAS.

“These rankings affirm our university’s commitment to excellence across a wide range of disciplines,” UH ԴDz Provost Michael Bruno said. “Our world-class faculty are working hard to prepare our students to be the creative and innovative leaders who will transform our islands and the world.”

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Fourteen UH ԴDz subjects were ranked by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, including four in the world’s top 100 and 11 in the nation’s top 70. GRAS, released on October 27, is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective rankings of world universities by subjects.

UH ԴDz was one of more than 1,900 universities in 104 countries and regions selected for the GRAS rankings, out of more than 25,000 total colleges and universities around the world. The criteria include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

UH ԴDz’s rankings:

  • Atmospheric science: No. 13 worldwide, No. 10 U.S.
  • Oceanography: No. 17 worldwide, No. 7 U.S.
  • Hospitality and tourism management: No. 49 worldwide, No. 18 U.S.
  • : No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 19–30 U.S.
  • : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–62 U.S.
  • : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–63 U.S.
  • : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 68–84 U.S.
  • Ecology: No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 43–60 U.S.
  • : No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 72–87 U.S.
  • : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 43–69 U.S.
  • : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 49–66 U.S.
  • and : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 53–67 U.S.
  • : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 88–114 U.S.
  • : No. 401–500 worldwide, No. 56–63 U.S.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, released on October 26, five out of the 10 ranked UH ԴDz subjects placed in the world’s top 1% (within top 250 in the world), while four others placed in the world’s top 2% (within top 500).

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, industry income and patents. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 621–1,374 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

UH ԴDz world rankings:

  • Education: No. 126–150
  • : No. 126–150
  • : No. 176–200
  • : No. 176–200
  • : No. 201–250
  • and : No. 301–400
  • : No. 301–400
  • Clinical and health: No. 301–400
  • Engineering: No. 401–500
  • : No. 501–600

Other rankings

UH ԴDz also received these notable rankings:

For more information, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

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5 鶹ýԴDz grad programs among nation’s top 75 /news/2023/04/24/us-news-best-grad-programs/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:01:03 +0000 /news/?p=176296 Seven programs were ranked in the nation’s top 100.

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person looking at a specimen

Sixteen graduate programs at the have been nationally recognized for academic and research excellence, according to the , released on April 25.

Seven programs were ranked in the nation’s top 100, and five placed in the top 75. The (SOEST) ranked No. 42 for its earth sciences doctoral programs, the placed No. 49 for its doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program and No. 60 for best master’s nursing programs, the ranked No. 64 and the placed No. 72 in public affairs for its .

“At a time when many prospective graduate students are deciding which institution they will attend in the fall, these rankings demonstrate that UH ԴDz is home to world-class academic programs across a vast range of disciplines,” UH ԴDz Provost Michael Bruno said. “The consistent national recognition of ԴDz’s excellence over the years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff.”

The rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence, and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students.

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  College of Education  |  College of Social Sciences  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Engineering  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Natural Sciences

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

The in SOEST placed No. 42 out of 166 earth sciences doctoral programs considered. Students in the PhD program gain advanced knowledge, develop professional skills and learn cutting-edge methodologies through specialized coursework and by conducting research.

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

UH ԴDz Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing’s DNP program placed No. 49 among 169 schools considered in the newest U.S. News ranking. UH ԴDz nursing is the only 鶹ý DNP program ranked by U.S. News since 2018. UH ԴDz nursing also placed No. 60 out of 184 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

College of Education

The College of Education (COE) ranked No. 64 of 272 schools considered, the 18th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Social Sciences

The Public Administration Program in the College of Social Sciences ranked No. 72, up 16 spots from the previous year, out of 269 graduate programs considered. The ranking puts the program in the top third of all master’s of public administration programs in the country. The master’s of public administration program is the only one accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration in the state, and offers an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

Shidler College of Business

The rose 12 spots from last year to No. 77 out of 149 schools considered in the full-time master of business administration (MBA) category. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA programs in 鶹ý and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. ranked No. 90; placed No. 112; and ranked No. 124. The College of Engineering ranked in No. 168 among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The (OPHS) ranked No. 105 out of 206 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. OPHS offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . OPHS is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Natural Sciences

Graduate programs in the were ranked by U.S. News, including at No. 105, at No. 125, at No. 139 and at No. 161.

Law and medical school rankings were expected to be released, however, according to U.S. News and World Report, due to an unprecedented number of inquiries from schools during the initial embargo period and verification of publicly available data, the updated 2023–24 Best Medical Schools and 2023–24 Best Law Schools rankings embargo and publication will be released at a later date.

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

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UH, Kupu partnership provides sustainability, conservation opportunities for students /news/2023/04/05/uh-kupu-partnership/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 22:34:22 +0000 /news/?p=175275 Second-year graduate student Yvonne Yoro had the opportunity to volunteer with Kupu for her practicum.

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people hiking
Yvonne Yoro (middle) during her time as a program coordinator with Kupu.

Students can receive hands-on training in sustainability and conservation efforts to become stewards of culture and environment thanks to a partnership between the and . A nonprofit organization, Kupu seeks to “empower youth to serve their communities through character building, service learning and environmental stewardship opportunities.”

Yvonne Yoro, a second-year graduate student in the program housed in the , had the opportunity to volunteer with Kupu for her practicum, which provided invaluable experience.

three people smiling

“Participating in Kupu’s programs is more than learning about conservation, sustainability and protecting ʻāina; it’s about learning more about yourself and building a foundational step that will lift you into your career,” said Yoro.

Yoro did her practicum with Kupu’s external affairs team, where she was able use her knowledge of nonprofit management and the relationships between public sector entities and nonprofits. She quickly learned that managing relationships between an organization and its stakeholders requires practice refining that specific skill set.

“My practicum intertwined my existing knowledge of Kupu and its programs with what I had learned at that point from my master’s program,” added Yoro. “As a participant and practicum student of Kupu, I was given so many opportunities that I would have never imagined receiving in such a short time. Participating in these programs helped reveal my interests and helped me identify the gifts I have and skills I can improve.”

Yoro, who is currently employed at Kupu, originally heard about the UH Mānoa Master of Public Administration program through a co-worker.

group photo

“Participating and working at Kupu revealed many interests including my love for public service work and working in areas where policies evolve to protect what we love,” said Yoro. “The organization and the staff have encouraged me to continue pursuing what I love and I am very thankful that I continue to work with supportive people who allow me to challenge myself in different ways—including returning to school to complete my master’s degree.”

Student opportunities with Kupu

—Applications opening soon.
Positions are available at a variety of conservation, agriculture, technology and clean energy focused host sites throughout the islands of 鶹ý.

—Applications for 2023–24 are open.
This is a paid opportunity where participants are matched with a single conservation host site for the duration of the program, during which they learn and serve alongside conservation experts. Full-time positions are available in American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and 鶹ý.

—Applications for 2023–24 are open.
Environmental Education Leaders are placed at one or more schools where they provide hands-on, work based learning opportunities that leverage Kupu’s relationships with environmental conservation agency partners.

—Continuing to accept applications.
HYCC summer program offers individuals an opportunity to gain restoration experience in a supportive team environment. Participants commit to a specific island and spend the summer months serving outdoors at various environmental organizations.

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鶹ýԴDz sees highest number of ranked graduate programs by U.S. News /news/2022/03/28/us-news-grad-program-rankings/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:01:04 +0000 /news/?p=156985 The 2023 edition evaluates graduate schools on a variety of factors, including research activity, expert assessment scores and doctoral degrees awarded.

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two people smiling while sitting at a table

Nearly 40 University of 鶹ý at ԴDz programs have been recognized among the nation’s best, according to the , released on March 29. This is the highest number of UH ԴDz grad programs on the list since at least 2013.

The 2023 edition evaluates graduate schools on a variety of factors, including research activity, expert assessment scores, doctoral degrees awarded, acceptance rates, placement success, standardized test scores and grade-point averages of incoming students.

“We are gratified that many of our graduate programs continue to receive national recognition for their excellence. 鶹ý residents should take pride in knowing that one of the top universities in the world is located right here, educating future innovators, educators and leaders,” UH ԴDz Provost Michael Bruno said.

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  William S. Richardson School of Law  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Education  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

John A. Burns School of Medicine

The state’s only medical school, (JABSOM), ranked No. 24 in primary care and No. 74 in research out of 124 of the best medical schools in the nation. This is the third time in six years that JABSOM made the top 25 for primary care (No. 19 in 2016 and No. 24 in 2021). JABSOM also placed No. 31 for percentage of 2013–15 graduates practicing in primary care specialties. .

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 85 among 158 schools considered in U.S. News’s Best Nursing Schools. UH ԴDz Nursing is the only 鶹ý DNP program ranked by U.S. News since 2018. UH ԴDz Nursing also placed No. 80 out of 199 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

William S. Richardson School of Law

The was ranked in 15 categories by U.S. News. UH ԴDz’s law school placed No. 91 out of 192 law schools considered in the full-time law category, and No. 21 out of 69 in the part-time law category for the school’s evening part-time law program.

Other rankings include:

  • Environmental law: No. 26 out of 180
  • Dispute resolution: No. 56 out of 109
  • International law: No. 67 out of 185
  • Legal writing: No. 74 out of 186
  • Criminal law: No. 90 out of 187
  • Constitutional law: No. 93 out of 187
  • Tax law: No. 95 out of 186
  • Contracts/commercial law: No. 97 out of 187
  • Business/corporate law: No. 103 out of 187
  • Health care law: No. 108 out of 184
  • Clinical training: No. 132 out of 173
  • Intellectual property law: No. 141 out of 187
  • Trial advocacy: No. 174 out of 187

Read more on the .

Shidler College of Business

The ranked No. 89 out of 134 schools considered in the full-time master of business administration category. Shidler’s part-time master of business administration program (global MBA, 36-month plan) placed No. 114, up from No. 152 in the previous year, among 278 part-time MBA programs that qualified for this ranking. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA programs in 鶹ý and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Education

The (COE) ranked No. 67 of 274 schools considered, the 17th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. ranked No. 98; placed No. 99; is No. 122; and , a joint program in the College of Engineering and , ranked No. 135. The College of Engineering ranked in the No. 152–200 tier among top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

Graduate programs in the were ranked by U.S. News, including (No. 95), (No. 100), (No. 132), (No. 135) and (No. 140).

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ’s ranked in the top 17% nationally of social work graduate programs, No. 51 out of 298. The department offers a (BSW) and (MSW), with specializations in child and family, behavioral mental health, gerontology, and health. The MSW and BSW degrees are offered through campus-based and , serving students on the neighbor islands of 鶹ý and Guam. The department also offers a .

The (OPHS) ranked No. 89 out of 195 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. OPHS offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . OPHS is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The in the ranked No. 88, up nine spots from the previous year, out of 270 graduate programs considered. The ranking puts the program in the top third of all master’s of public administration programs in the country. The master’s of public administration program is the state’s only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration accredited program, offering an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

In addition, the ranked No. 120 in the nation and the is No. 122.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

The in the placed No. 46 out of 162 earth sciences doctoral programs considered. Students in the PhD program gain advanced knowledge, develop professional skills and learn cutting-edge methodologies through specialized coursework and by conducting research.

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

These rankings serve as examples of UH ԴDz’s goal of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

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