The national recruitment for the next president of the University of ߣsir��Ƶʻi 10-campus system will officially begin in late May 2024 after the ߣsir��Ƶ Board of Regents (BOR) approved the position description and leadership profile at the May 16 BOR monthly meeting at ߣsir��Ƶ ����ԴDz�. The position description and leadership profile were based on feedback provided through six public forums that were held on four islands, and a public survey along with input from the regents and the Presidential Search Advisory Group (PSAG), who edited and finalized the profile before it was brought to the board.

• ߣsir��Ƶ President Search Website

“We are very pleased that the next phase of the search can officially begin, and the regents thank the PSAG for their important work on the leadership profile,” said BOR Interim Chair Gabriel Lee. “We are hoping there is a lot of local and national interest in the position and that we are able to attract the best candidates possible to lead the state’s sole provider of higher education.”

, the search firm hired by the BOR, will officially launch the recruitment in late May with outreach and national advertisements. The search is following the timeline approved by the regents on March 21.

• May to August—Candidate recruitment period
• August—Review of candidate materials, first round of candidate interviews
• September—Three to four finalists are named
• October—Final selection and negotiation, new president is announced
• Early 2025—New president begins

The PSAG is made up of stakeholders from across the ߣsir��Ƶ system and local community. The group assisted with county forums along with the development of the leadership profile and position description. The PSAG will review candidate applications, identify and recommend candidates for interviews, interview the first round of eight to 12 candidates and recommend semifinalists to the selection committee, which consists of all 11 regents.

As part of the listening phase of the search promised by the regents, approximately 565 people attended the six public forums held across the state in person or via Zoom. The public survey completed in February received 2,093 responses.

The new president will succeed President David Lassner, who announced in September that he will retire at the end of 2024.

President David Lassner provided updates on ߣsir��Ƶ support for Lahainaluna High School ߣsir��Ƶ, 2024 fall enrollment and philanthropic fundraising—noting that the ߣsir��Ƶ Foundation surpassed $100 million in fundraising—in his monthly report to the Board of Regents (BOR) at their May 16 meeting at ߣsir��Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

Lassner also highlighted the successful commencement activities of the 10 campuses, including the ߣsir��Ƶuation ceremony held every four years on Molokaʻi and informed the regents about how recently passed federal appropriations require in-state tuition for the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

• Successful spring 2024 ߣsir��Ƶuation season ()
• Molokaʻi ߣsir��Ƶuation ()
• Federal tuition requirement for Compact of Free Association nations ()
• Ongoing support for Lahainaluna ߣsir��Ƶ ()
• Enrollment trending upwards for fall 2024 ()
• Record extramural funding ()
• ߣsir��Ƶ Foundation surpasses $100 million ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

This week’s ߣsir��Ƶ News Image of the Week is from University of ߣsir��Ƶʻi at Mānoa’s Nancy Marker, academic support in the Social Science Research Institute..

Marker shared, “As many ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa ߣsir��Ƶuates are photographed themselves, one pauses to photograph our beloved tree by Hamilton Library, the cassia bakeriana, known as the Baker’s Pink Shower Tree. May 8, 2024.”

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

—To ߣsir��Ƶuate, pass through, emerge.

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“Hoʻomaikaʻi ʻana (Congratulations) to our ߣsir��Ƶuates from all 10 campuses! May you carry the spirit of resilience and the warmth of aloha on your journey ahead. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication!”

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

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

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit ߣsir��Ƶ.

Carina Chernisky

Carina Chernisky is a ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu public services librarian who uses a variety of different methods and formats to foster a collaborative learning environment that ensures student success. She considers the library her “classroom,” which is more dynamic and adaptable than a traditional classroom environment. She cultivates it to be a safe in-person and virtual haven where individuals can go to seek help for research issues, participate in engaging events and learn critical-thinking skills.

Chernisky offers a variety of synchronous and asynchronous information literacy workshops that help ߣsir��Ƶ become self-directed learners who can access information, evaluate sources, and engage in lifelong learning in and beyond the confines of the classroom.

“Carina is always so informative and relates the topic of the workshop to relevant news of the week. It’s always a pleasure to attend her workshops,” said a student.In addition to her primary reference and instructional duties, Chernisky has served as the on-site library project manager/co-manager for traveling exhibitions, and is a champion of open educational resources at ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu and throughout the ߣsir��Ƶ System.”

Sothy Eng

Sothy Eng is an associate professor of human development and family studies in the ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Eng observed from his required office visits with ߣsir��Ƶ how their education fits into their complex lives. From that, he enhanced his course requirements, and gained a heightened sense of empathy toward ߣsir��Ƶ and the families and communities from which they came.

The insights of educator Paulo Freire resonate with Eng: “The teacher is no longer merely the one-who-teaches but who is himself taught in dialogue with the ߣsir��Ƶ, who in turn while being taught, also teach…jointly responsible for a process in which we all grow.”

A student said, “Professor Eng and the ߣsir��Ƶ made it such an amazing class, a welcoming space” and “Little did I know his class would spark my future career goals of increasing the community’s access to food security and sovereignty.”

Colleagues praise him for inspiring ߣsir��Ƶ to be collaborative, creative and respectful, and consider him “a role model among his peers, ceaselessly energetic, professionally dynamic, and abundant in his aloha.”

Kerri Inglis

Kerri Inglis is a professor of history in ߣsir��Ƶ Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences and specializes in research and teaching in the history of health, disease and medicine, especially as it pertains to ߣsir��Ƶʻi and the Pacific, within a global context.

Inglis has devoted her career to studying the history of leprosy in ߣsir��Ƶʻi and has done extensive research on patients’ experiences on the Kalaupapa peninsula. Her award-winning 2013 publication, “Maʻi Lepera: Disease and Displacement in 19th Century ߣsir��Ƶʻi,” stands as a seminal work on the subject.

Affectionately known as “Kumu Kai” to her ߣsir��Ƶ, Inglis is celebrated not only for her scholarly contributions but also for her profound impact on education. According to ߣsir��Ƶuate student David Freund, her endeavors have not only advanced her own professional growth but have also enriched the educational journey of her ߣsir��Ƶ, who have actively participated in her projects.

Freund said Inglis “goes beyond the rote delivery of information, striving to instill a deep understanding of concepts and principles, enabling ߣsir��Ƶ not only to acquire information and skills but also to think critically and apply their knowledge effectively.”

Kristiana Kahakauwila

Kristiana Kahakauwila is an associate professor of English in the ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa College of Arts, Languages & Letters. For Kahakauwila, a teaching philosophy rooted in choice is one rooted in kuleana—in responsibility, privilege and a sense of ownership.

Her teaching leans into analysis of how a work is shaped, and from where it takes its inspiration in the context of race, gender, sexuality, ability, Indigeneity and other lived experiences. Her ߣsir��Ƶ express an experience of being treated not “only as ߣsir��Ƶ but as writers and readers. She gives us a chance to grow and progress, first and foremost, as artists.”

Kahakauwila’s innovative pedagogical technique includes asking ߣsir��Ƶ to take up the mantle of instructor at least once each term. A former ߣsir��Ƶuate student describes Kahakauwila as a “devoted, kind and brilliant teacher who challenged ߣsir��Ƶ in a way that was joyful and meaningful.”

Martina Kamaka

Martina Kamaka is a ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa associate professor in the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Native ߣsir��Ƶian Center of Excellence.

Colleagues credit her with being at the forefront of training medical ߣsir��Ƶ in patient-centered care and cultural competency well before these were goals of health care. A colleague speaks of her “dreaming, developing and delivering culturally relevant and sensitive education” for 23 years.

Kamaka recognizes learning as experiential and occurring in diverse settings and unexpected contexts. In her experience, learning is balanced between mind, body and spirit at the micro level, and between communities/families, environment and spiritual sources of strength at the macro level. She said that the “most important point is for ߣsir��Ƶ who are future physicians to be able to communicate with patients with our hearts and our naʻau (intuition).”

A student called Kamaka “a big part of my journey in influencing the way I see myself, my relationship to the community and to my profession.”

Jenny Kelly

Jenny Kelly is an associate professor of animal science, and veterinary technician program director at Windward Community College, where she helps ߣsir��Ƶ navigate �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s only veterinary technology program. She is also a doctor of veterinary medicine.

Kelly creates meaningful hands-on curricula that encourages student engagement with an innovative teaching method for her anesthesia and surgical assisting classes. One student said, “I loved how she was always frank and honest and very clear about her expectations. She isn’t afraid to ask questions to help you rearrange your thought process or lead you in the right direction….it was my favorite aspect of her teaching style. It has definitely helped me become more confident and efficient.”

Overcoming obstacles is one of her fortes. Kelly has extended support to ߣsir��Ƶ affected by the devastating fires on Maui, and has offered veterinary services in Lahaina to injured and burned animals.

A former student who is now an animal science lecturer said, “Dr. Kelly encourages me towards my goals, moving me forward to reach my full potential. Through her support she has equipped me with the strength to overcome any obstacle.”

Emily Moody

Emily G.A. Moody is an assistant professor of graphic design in the new media arts program at Kapiʻolani Community College. She teaches six courses including graphic design, typography, graphic symbolism, corporate identity, interface design studio and design portfolio.

Moody’s deeply rooted passion for design is shared with unabashed enthusiasm. She hopes that expressing her love for design and its applications will inspire the ߣsir��Ƶ to see the wonder of design and pave their pathway within the discipline. Each course is designed to provide ߣsir��Ƶ with a structured framework for experimentation and the cultivation of their unique approach to visual communication.

“You can tell Emily truly cares about her ߣsir��Ƶ and holds them to very high standards,” shared a nominator. “This in turn pushes ߣsir��Ƶ to reach their highest potential. She is passionate about design, teaching, and the success of her ߣsir��Ƶ. She creates an environment where we feel comfortable to share, fail, learn, and grow. Plus, she’s just a great person with a great sense of humor, which always makes it fun to learn!”

Steven Nakata

Chef Steven Nakata is an assistant professor and chair of the culinary department of Kauaʻi Community College

Nakata puts his ߣsir��Ƶ first, and always tries to connect with each of them. He provides his personal cell number so they can reach him when needed, demonstrating a great level of dedication and commitment.

He brings a vast wealth of knowledge and experience from his past appointments as an executive chef and general manager. Service and cuisine are “in his blood.”

He has traveled internationally to parts of Europe, South America and the Caribbean and shares many learnings and adventures with his ߣsir��Ƶ. He is solid and accomplished with cooking methods, baking, sanitation and front-of-the-house training. He teaches with an openness and caring, a sense of humor and a strict, strong hand.

Nakata was overwhelmingly nominated by his ߣsir��Ƶ and colleagues. There are many successful ߣsir��Ƶ who have come out of the culinary program and Nakata was a big part of their growth, skill and confidence.

Michael T. Oishi

Michael T. Oishi is an associate professor of English literature at Leeward Community College. Students respect Oishi for his clear and thoughtful instruction and his ability to make them feel heard and appreciated. Perhaps most notable is Oishi’s ability to get his ߣsir��Ƶ to appreciate and excel at what can be complex themes and material, whether it be tackling difficult moral dilemmas such as what it means to be human or an “outsider,” to exploring �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s painful political past.

One student expressed, “He has left a truly remarkable impression on me… through his course I was able to deeply strengthen my connection to ߣsir��Ƶian roots, cultivate pride where there once was shame, understand the world around me with a greatly altered state of awareness. There are incredible professors here at Leeward CC… Professor Oishi stands apart in distinction.”

Susan Lum, professor of English literature and Arts and Humanities Division chair, at Leeward CC, states, “Michael embodies many of the qualities one hopes to see in a leader: diligence, humility, hard work, attention to detail and an eagerness to embrace challenges for the betterment of others.”

Over the years, Michael’s willingness to take on difficult tasks and his commitment to improving the work of the college and its employees has earned him not only a reputation as someone who is dependable, creative and efficient but also someone who cares deeply about people.

Mitchell Okamura

Mitchell Okamura is an assistant professor of speech at Honolulu Community College.

Through encouraging an active, experiential approach to classroom learning, Okamura embodies the principle of Ma ka hana ka ʻike (in doing, one learns). He penned a quote that he often shares with his ߣsir��Ƶ, “To be something you have never been, you have to do things you have never done.” He focuses on getting ߣsir��Ƶ to do different things via activity-based learning everyday and building pilina (relationships) with each other, the course content and the instructor.

“After the pandemic, I had no motivation to attend any in-person classes that weren’t specifically related to my major,” said a student. “On my first day of speech class, I was so nervous. However, after experiencing Speech 151 with Mr. Okamura, my outlook changed. I felt motivated for the first time in a long time and actually had faith that I would pass the class and have fun while doing it.”

Okamura earned hisBA in speech and MA in communicology from ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa. He started his career in education in 2004, and has taught in the ߣsir��Ƶ system as a ߣsir��Ƶuate assistant, lecturer, instructor and assistant professor.

Nicole Reyes

Nicole Reyes is an associate professor of educational administration in the ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa College of Education. She shares the vision of ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa’s strategic plan: “the education of ߣsir��Ƶ is the core mission of the University; it is the reason we exist.”

To be a faculty at home on Oʻahu means she is serving those who represent the potential and future of what our institutions of higher education could be. Her ߣsir��Ƶ respect that her teaching is grounded in social justice, saying that “her deep passion for education has shaped my future research.”

A ߣsir��Ƶuate student said Reyes was not only an “expert on qualitative research, but genuinely invested in fostering a collective and communal learning environment.”

Students said Reyes’ mentoring practices of inviting them into co-presenting and co-authoring with her, provide an experience of “what it means to be a serious faculty mentor and researcher,” inspiring ߣsir��Ƶ “to emulate the radical care with their own future ߣsir��Ƶ.”

A student said, “She turned my PhD experience from black and white into color.”

Stephanie Teves

Stephanie Teves is an associate professor in the department of women, gender and sexuality studies in the ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa College of Social Sciences. Teves connects with local ߣsir��Ƶ through a shared sense of place and welcomes ߣsir��Ƶ new to ߣsir��Ƶʻi by applauding their sense of adventure.

“Under her guidance, I became a haumāna (student) who did not simply complete coursework but became enthralled with researching and received a scholarship for a project with Dr. Teves as my project mentor,” said a student.

Teves encourages ߣsir��Ƶ to learn from one another and explore who they are in a global sense. Her teaching has included the development of an underߣsir��Ƶuate certificate in queer studies.

Another student said, “All of her ߣsir��Ƶ were treated with utmost respect and given the space to learn enthusiastically, while being sensitive to the differences that exist among us.”

A colleague said, “A beloved teacher, mentor and kumu, a visionary thinker, Lani has pursued undertakings that have transformed the educational landscape of the university.”

Richard Wallsgrove

Richard Wallsgrove is an associate professor in the William S. Richardson School of Law. An alumnus of the school, he attributes his approaches to teaching to those from whom he learned.

He is described by colleagues as being on the cutting edge of clean energy law. He believes in and aligns his teaching with the mission of ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa as a Native ߣsir��Ƶian Place of Learning, with respect for ʻāina (land) and engaging ߣsir��Ƶ in understanding how atmospheric dynamics is explained and rationalized in ߣsir��Ƶian and other Indigenous cultures.

Students describe him as embodying principles of empathy, rigor, passion and respect, saying “he makes us better.” Colleagues speak to how “In these polarized times where schools, colleges, and law school campuses alike are struggling with polarization, Rich’s thoughtful brilliance stands out.” As a teacher, mentor and colleague, he is, “a teacher’s teacher in every sense,” and respectful and sensitive to the needs of ߣsir��Ƶ from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Aubrey Weston

Aubrey Weston is an instructor and coordinator for ߣsir��Ƶ Maui College’s accounting program. Her commitment to teaching is evident in the numerous nominations she received for the award for teaching excellence.

Students praise Weston for her willingness to go above and beyond to support their learning journey. A student said, “Her enthusiasm for teaching shines through as she acts not only as a professor but also as a mentor, guiding ߣsir��Ƶ through complex concepts with clarity and patience.”

Weston’s organizational skills and professionalism create a conducive learning environment, where ߣsir��Ƶ can easily navigate course materials and assignments. Her creativity makes learning enjoyable and engaging for her ߣsir��Ƶ.

A student said, “I can say that I love taking accounting, and this is 100% thanks to Aubrey.”

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Underߣsir��Ƶuate Teaching for a faculty member and a ߣsir��Ƶuate assistant recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of underߣsir��Ƶuate ߣsir��Ƶ. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and the University of ߣsir��Ƶʻi at Mānoa for 19 years.

Bonnie Bittman

Bonnie Bittman is an assistant professor of secondary social studies education at ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu. She also taught secondary social studies at the high school level for 10 years, including economics, civics, advanced placement U.S. government and politics, world history, ethics and more.

She focuses on civic education and the achievement of marginalized populations in social studies education. Her research utilizes quantitative methods, consisting mostly of regression analysis.

A peer commented that “the teaching method of Dr. Bittman models what we want the teacher education ߣsir��Ƶ to model in their own classrooms: specifically—collaboration, intentional pairing and explaining why it is intentional, sequencing resources and activities to build on each other, etc.”

Imelda Gasmen

Imelda Gasmen is an instructor in the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages & Literatures in the ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa College of Arts, Languages & Letters. Known to her ߣsir��Ƶ as Tita (Aunt) Imé, Gasmen introduced the concept of a Filipino tradition called bayanihan—the spirit of helping—and transformed that tradition to cooperative learning as a teaching methodology.

She has inspired ߣsir��Ƶ to major in Filipino and Philippine literature because of her unique and passionate teaching. They describe her as a “pure soul that is perfect for teaching.”

An outstanding characteristic is her ability to build pride and enjoyment of Filipino culture among ߣsir��Ƶ, many of whom have a connection through family ties, but have not learned the language. “I could connect with my family in ways I never imagined, calling my mom to practice my Tagalog with so much excitement. Those calls continue to this day and contribute to my parents feeling more connected to their home country.” Tita Imé is considered by ߣsir��Ƶ to be a living legend with exemplary knowledge, wisdom and expertise.

Maximillian Soares Miehlstein

Maximillian Soares Miehlstein is a ߣsir��Ƶuate student in the ߣsir��Ƶ Mānoa Department of Psychology. His research focuses on the influence of having a minoritized identity on social cognition.

As a ߣsir��Ƶuate assistant for Human Development and Family Studies 380L: Research Methodology Lab, Soares Miehlstein has guided ߣsir��Ƶ through semester-long research projects, advising them on topic conceptualization, survey development, data analysis and interpretation of their results. Additionally, he has served as a teaching assistant for PSY 225: Statistical Techniques for the past five semesters, where he is dedicated to helping ߣsir��Ƶ grasp foundational statistical concepts.

Inspired by seeing ߣsir��Ƶ succeed, Soares Miehlstein prioritizes creating engaging and student-centered learning materials. He is committed to incorporating diversity and inclusion into course curriculum whenever possible, ensuring that various perspectives and experiences are represented in the teaching materials and discussions. As he prepares to teach his own courses, Soares Miehlstein is eager to further develop his skills to maximize ߣsir��Ƶ’ learning potential while fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Mitchell Okamura

Mitchell Okamura is an assistant professor of speech at Honolulu Community College. He has been teaching speech courses since 2012.

A self-professed introvert by nature, Okamura was able to turn what he calls his greatest weakness—shyness—into an asset in the classroom, and leverage this to help even the most introverted ߣsir��Ƶ overcome their fear of public speaking. He often relies on the Lōkahi triangle (balance or harmony of the spiritual, mental and physical) as a core foundation to keep him balanced.

Participation in several programs, such as Hoʻāla Hou (substance use prevention), and Kūkalahale E Hoʻi Nā Wai (Indigenous education frameworks training), has equipped him to use Indigenous place-based learning techniques in the classroom.

“On my first day of class Professor Okamura told a story about how he had a disability as a child and how he overcame it,” said one student. “It made me feel really good to see an adult talk about how he overcame his disabilities and he is inspiring me that I can overcome my disabilities as well.”

Stephen Taylor

Stephen Taylor is a professor of physical sciences at Kauaʻi Community College and teaches climate science, oceanography, astronomy and physics. Students appreciate his genuine interest in their success and how he challenges them to think critically and understand rather than memorize or perform simple tasks.

He involves ߣsir��Ƶ in engaging activities; He clearly loves teaching and makes learning fun. His ߣsir��Ƶ see purpose and value in lessons. They discover how to learn, how to find credible information, and how to apply knowledge to understand complicated concepts, evaluate ideas and solve problems. Taylor stresses experimental design and physics principles that can be used to credibly explain, understand and predict a variety of natural phenomena.

Colleagues and ߣsir��Ƶ also appreciate Taylor’s effective leadership. He is constantly innovating, collaborating with peers, facilitating systemwide change, and advocating on ߣsir��Ƶ’ behalf, serving as coordinator of the natural science degree program, leader of National Science Foundation awards, proponent of effective general education curriculum, and technical advisor on climate change and coastal policy.

He has authored or co-authored multiple national conference presentations focused on interactive teaching and assessment. Taylor was awarded the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching in 2011.

Jennifer Turner

Jennifer Turner is an assistant professor of psychology in ߣsir��Ƶ Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences. Turner’s primary research interests focus on social and emotional factors that influence lifespan health and well-being, such as age differences in nostalgia and potential mechanisms to reduce negative perceptions of aging.

She serves on multiple college and departmental committees and sits on the editorial board for the scientific journal Innovation in Aging. However, it’s the connection she’s made with ߣsir��Ƶ that rises above it all.

Professor and Psychology Chair Adam Pack said, “At a time when ߣsir��Ƶ often gravitate towards online course offerings, they flock to Dr. Turner’s face-to-face course because her teaching is scholarly, dynamic, engaging and creative.”

Turner is dedicated to providing ߣsir��Ƶ with applied learning experiences to advance post-ߣsir��Ƶuate program admission and career opportunities. In the four semesters she has been at ߣsir��Ƶ Hilo, she has redesigned coursework and re-imagined the developmental lab to provide deeper engagement and understanding of content and practices.

Student Mia McGrath said, “It’s rare to find a professor who cares the way she does. She’s brilliant, passionate, kind and an incredible mentor.

The is exploring the need for and interest in student residence halls, and is conducting a market study, including a survey of current ߣsir��Ƶ from April 29 to May 17.

The survey by will identify student interest in ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu-based housing, demand by bed or unit type, unit mix and sizes, desired amenities, and pricing.

“Campus residence halls provide many benefits to the university and the local community,” said ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu Vice Chancellor for Administration David McDonald. “For ߣsir��Ƶ, residence halls increase student learning, enhance connections to the campus, improve interpersonal skill development, and provide immediate access to campus resources and activities. For the community, ߣsir��Ƶ living in a university village environment reduces the number of ߣsir��Ƶ who have to commute to campus, increases the number of participants in local community activities, and on-campus ߣsir��Ƶ support local businesses. For the university, ߣsir��Ƶ living on campus increase the vibrancy and energy of all university activities.”

ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu currently does not have residence halls. However, dormitory space for ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu ߣsir��Ƶ is available through a partnership with neighbor . ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu’s spring enrollment was 2,863.

The location being considered for housing is within the University Village at the Hoʻomohala Avenue gateway to campus, near the ’s Keoneʻae transit station. The Skyline connects ߣsir��Ƶ ߣsir��Ƶ to goods and services along the rail line, and provides a connection to the campus. The planned next phase of the Skyline connecting ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu to the airport makes this location even more advantageous for ߣsir��Ƶ who would live in this new residence hall.

The study is based on a 300-bed minimum. Preliminary findings are anticipated this summer, and will be made part of a formal housing-demand study. ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu ߣsir��Ƶ are highly encouraged to .

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 ߣsir��Ƶuating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

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

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS ߣsir��Ƶuate, 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, ߣsir��Ƶ Maui College academic counselor. “Following ߣsir��Ƶuation, 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 ߣsir��Ƶuating with her associate’s degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the ߣsir��Ƶ 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 ߣsir��Ƶʻi 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 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 ߣsir��Ƶ West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he ߣsir��Ƶuated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs ߣsir��Ƶʻi.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I ߣsir��Ƶuate 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, ߣsir��Ƶ 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 ߣsir��Ƶ spring ߣsir��Ƶuates

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

The University of ߣsir��Ƶʻi completed a series of public county forums to gather feedback that will help inform the search for next president of the 10-campus ߣsir��Ƶ System, the state’s sole provider of public higher education.

Approximately 85 people attended the six forums in person, and roughly 480 participated via Zoom. The forums, which took place on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and ߣsir��Ƶʻi Island and finished on May 7, were scheduled by the ߣsir��Ƶ Board of Regents (BOR) as part of the listening phase of the search process. A public survey completed in February received nearly 2,000 responses.

“We plan to take all of the feedback from the forums and the listening sessions and try to incorporate it into the presidential profile that’s going to go out to essentially search for candidates to apply,” said Erin Centeio, co-chair of the presidential search advisory group (PSAG).

Centeio said that the PSAG plans to incorporate all the feedback from the forums and the surveys into a presidential profile that will be presented to the BOR at their meeting on May 16.

“Beyond the profile, these listening sessions are going to help us understand who the community wants for a next president,” said Centeio. “As we look at applicants and do first round interviews, we will be looking to these forums as well as everything that’s been submitted to be able to help guide us in who the next president should be.”

The board announced at its March 21 meeting that it plans to name finalists in September and announce the next president in October. The new president will begin in January 2025 and will succeed David Lassner, who announced in September 2023 that he will retire by December 2024.

“The selection of the next president will likely be the single most important decision made by this board and we are committed to doing it thoroughly in an inclusive and transparent manner,” said BOR Chair Gabriel Lee in a previous BOR meeting.

The PSAG is made up of ߣsir��Ƶ stakeholders and will make candidate recommendations to the search committee, which consists of all 11 regents. WittKieffer, a Chicago-based firm, was hired to assist in the search and will work with the BOR to develop the position description and profile of an ideal president and then recruit candidates.

This week’s ߣsir��Ƶ News Image of the Week is from University of ߣsir��Ƶʻi Cancer Center Associate Specialist Christine Farrar.

Farrar shared, “This image is of the autofluorescence in a cross section of a Loosen plant stem. This and other images were taken by class members of Spring 2024 CMB622 as part of a practicum assignment. The data was collected on a widefield microscope and computationally cleared using deconvolution software. The final presentation of this image was generated by class member Clara Errard using FIJI software.”

Previous Images
Cup of Gold
Medea/Antigone Now
Kabuki
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Rainbow Day!
All Images of the Week

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