{"id":210719,"date":"2025-02-11T20:52:16","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T06:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=210719"},"modified":"2025-02-18T09:49:57","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T19:49:57","slug":"hensel-visits-honolulu-cc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/02\/11\/hensel-visits-honolulu-cc\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> President Hensel visits Honolulu Community College"},"content":{"rendered":"
Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\"HenselHugs from toddlers at the Honolulu Community College children\u2019s center were one of the many highlights of University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> President Wendy Hensel\u2019s visit to UH\u2019s oldest community college on February 11. The visit was the latest stop on Hensel\u02bbs tour of UH<\/abbr>\u2019s 10 campuses and five of the education centers in her first 90 days in office.<\/p>\n

\"ThreeAlong with visiting the Keiki Hauʻoli<\/span> Children’s Center<\/a> where she got to interact with the toddlers, Hensel also toured Honolulu CC<\/abbr>\u02bbs MELE (Music & Entertainment Learning Experience)<\/a> program, which supports careers in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s vibrant music industry, and welding and carpentry classes.<\/p>\n

The visit included an open forum with about 150 in attendance and meetings with the campus governance groups. Throughout the day, Hensel engaged with students, faculty, staff and leadership about their experiences, ideas and concerns.<\/p>\n

“I loved meeting the little kids at the childcare and development center,” Hensel said. “Seeing the excitement of students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE<\/abbr>) programs was inspiring. The fact that so many of them had jobs before they even graduated was really gratifying to see.”<\/p>\n

Career and Technical Education leader<\/h2>\n

\"PeopleFounded in 1920, Honolulu CC<\/abbr> has long been a leader in CTE<\/abbr>. With strong programs in aeronautics maintenance, automotive technology and construction trades, the college prepares students for high-demand jobs. Its Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training<\/a> further highlights a commitment to innovation.<\/p>\n

“I think she\u2019s super nice, very welcoming. Her presence makes you feel heard when she comes here and tries to see what we\u2019re about,” said second-year carpentry student Kawailani Abraham.<\/p>\n

Enrollment at Honolulu CC<\/abbr> has risen 4.3% from 2023, with 3,342 students in fall 2024. A significant portion of the student body consists of first-generation college students, and 31% are Native Hawaiian or part-Native Hawaiian—well above the UH<\/abbr> systemwide average.<\/p>\n

\"TwoHōkūleʻa<\/span> Dragomanovich, who is studying Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies, said “I liked what I heard. She\u2019s forward thinking and willing to adapt to cultural shifts while also preserving identity. We need those kinds of forward thinkers to create new solutions for the future. The discussion was enlightening and made me feel more optimistic about what\u2019s ahead.”<\/p>\n

Chancellor Karen Lee said the campus was energized by Hensel\u2019s visit and the chance to showcase Honolulu CC<\/abbr>\u2019s offerings. Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies student Andrew White added that he appreciated Hensel\u2019s “systemic” approach.<\/p>\n

\"Two“I liked what she had to say. She\u2019s not afraid of AI<\/abbr>, which will be a huge driving force in construction,” White said. “She wants to eliminate silos within the system so everyone pulls in the same direction. It was reassuring to hear that she\u2019s taking a holistic approach.”<\/p>\n

Hensel\u2019s visit concluded with an evening reception with community leaders in the campus cafeteria. Her next visit will be to UH<\/abbr> Hilo on February 18.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]\n

\nPresident Hensel\u2019s campus\/education centers remaining schedule:<\/p>\n

President Hensel campus visit recaps<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n