University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted the start of the 2026–27 academic year, UH’s second-highest extramural funding total in history and the leadership transition at Hawaiʻi Community College during her August report to the UH Board of Regents (BOR). The report was delivered at the August 20 BOR meeting at Kauaʻi Community College.

Hensel reported that UH secured $647.3 million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2026, the second-highest total in university history and the fifth consecutive year above $500 million. She also provided an update on the leadership transition at Hawaiʻi CC, where Interim Vice President for Community Colleges and UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana is serving as interim chancellor while UH prepares an interim chancellor for the campus and the launch of a national search for a permanent leader.

Hensel also highlighted UH’s inaugural AI Institute Day, which brought together 546 participants from across the UH System on August 11, and the launch of the ’Bows Athletics Club and Shoji Society, two new initiatives designed to strengthen annual and transformational giving to UH Mānoa Athletics.

Finally, Kauaʻi CC’s Justin Seto was recognized with the UH President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance for his dedication, technical expertise and “campus-first” approach.

• Enrollment and start of fall semester (video)
• Leadership retreat and strategic investments (video)
• Hawaiʻi CC leadership transition (video)
• FY26 extramural funding (video)
• ’Bows Athletics Club and Shoji Society (video)
• AI Institute Day and strategic AI investments (video)
• UH News highlights
  • UH Community Colleges ranked 11th best (video)
  • Kauaʻi CC, Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center partnership (video)
  • Kauaʻi CC Summer Institute Pāpala Lele Internship (video)
• President’s Award for Excellence (video)

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is one of the nation’s best colleges and universities, according to The Princeton Review’s 2027 edition of “The Best 392 Colleges” guide, released on August 18.

The rankings are based solely on its surveys of college students about their schools. The schools included in the “The Best 392 Colleges” of 2027 are not ranked from No. 1–No. 392, and feature the top 14% of approximately 2,800 four-year colleges in the U.S.

In addition, The Princeton Review placed UH Mānoa as one of the top 79 colleges in the west.

“This recognition is a reflection of what our students experience every day at UH Mānoa,” said UH Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos. “From the classroom to campus life, their feedback shows the value they see in their education, their professors and the opportunities available to them. We’re proud that their voices are helping tell the story of what makes UH Mānoa a special place to learn and grow.”

In October 2025, The Princeton Review also named UH Mānoa one of the nation’s top “green” colleges, which recognizes the most environmentally responsible schools.

More about ‘The Best 392 Colleges’

The Princeton Review surveyed 172,000 students at the schools included in “The Best 392 Colleges.” The 98-question survey asked students about their professors, administrators, financial aid, campus amenities, school services and other aspects of their college experience. Students responded using five answer choices, with scales ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” and “excellent” to “poor.”

“The colleges we profile in ‘The Best 392 Colleges’ vary by type, size, locale and campus culture. In our opinion, each one offers an academically outstanding undergraduate education,” said Rob Franek, lead author of the book and editor-in-chief at The Princeton Review. “They are truly a select group: they comprise only about 14% of America’s nearly 2,800 four-year colleges. For 35 years, our goal for this project has been to create multiple ranking lists and resources to help college applicants answer what is likely the toughest but also the most important question in their journey to college: ‘Which college is best for me?’”

‘The Best Colleges in America’

UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu were also recognized in Money’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, which evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges nationwide. The rankings are designed to help students and families compare colleges based on the value they provide, with an emphasis on affordability and post-graduation outcomes. Money evaluated schools using 25 factors across three categories: quality of education, affordability and outcomes. Measures included graduation rates, net price, student debt, earnings, employment and economic mobility.

Recent rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026–27 Global University Visibility Rankings, July 23, 2026
• 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, June 17, 2026
• 2026–27 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities rankings, June 16, 2026
• 2026 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 8, 2026
• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

This week’s image is from the UH Mānoa Lyon Arboretum.

From the Lyon Arboretum Instagram: Fungi: is it a fun guy? Neither plant nor animal, fungi help recycle nutrients, support healthy ecosystems, and form remarkable partnerships with trees and other plants. From delicate mushrooms emerging after rain to vast underground networks, these fascinating organisms play a vital role in the life of the forest.

Check out more fascinating fungi at the Lyon Arboretum IG post.

Send us your image!

Previous Images
Many Manu-o-Kū
Winning experience
Hammerhead Sharks
Lei making
35mm photoshoot
All Images of the Week

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

Maluhia

—Peace, quiet, security, tranquility, serenity.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

Check back for more ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

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

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education (Hawaiʻi P–20) will launch the first of its three-part “Fund Your Future” webinar series, beginning Tuesday, August 18, to assist local families with planning and preparation for continuing education or career training after high school graduation. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.

Complete list of upcoming college planning webinars

“Hawaiʻi high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend one session from each part of the Fund Your Future series to get a complete outlook of the many sources of financial aid available to local students, and how to pay to further your education after high school primarily using grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid,” said Lynsey Bow, postsecondary readiness director for Hawaiʻi P–20. “College in Hawaiʻi can be affordable, and local help is available to help families navigate this process.”

• Part 1: Statewide virtual financial aid workshops—Learn how to access more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid, along with more than $70 million in scholarships awarded annually to Hawaiʻi students. Financial aid is available for students attending two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools, supporting a wide range of post-high school education and career pathways. The first free workshop will be held Tuesday, August 18, 6–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is now open.
• Part 2: Statewide virtual scholarship workshops—Hear from experts representing Sallie Mae, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and the University of Hawaiʻi System as they discuss scholarship opportunities available to Hawaiʻi students, regardless of family income. Participants will also receive tips for using scholarship search tools and writing strong scholarship essays. The first of two virtual workshops will take place Thursday, November 5. Registration is now open.
• Part 3: Statewide virtual FAFSA completion workshops—Attendees will be able to ask questions and review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 award year. These events will be held November through January, and registration will open soon. Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA for the 2027–28 award year will become available October 1.

“While the FAFSA has been simplified and is now faster and easier to complete than in previous years, families should use the time before October 1 to gather any necessary financial information and supporting documentation,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Hawaiʻi P–20. “Completing the FAFSA is required for many local and national scholarships, so we encourage students to apply early and take advantage of every financial aid opportunity for which they are eligible, while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, visit this website.

The University of Hawaiʻi hosted its inaugural AI Institute Day at the UH Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. Co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the State of Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council, the gathering drew 158 in-person and 388 virtual participants across the UH System on August 11. The event was structured to help the university transition from isolated, individual AI experimentation to coordinated, systemwide innovation.

AI Institute Day welcomed guest speaker Asim Ali, executive director of Auburn University’s Biggio Center and board president of UPCEA, an online and professional education association. Ali urged attendees to look past the technical hype of “prompt engineering” and instead approach AI as an ongoing, conversational dialogue. He highlighted the role of humans in training and refining generative AI, noting that “until we get to a system that’s able to teach itself… humans are still absolutely needed.”

Ali also introduced the concept of “unbundling” professional work into automated, augmented and human-only tasks. Citing data from tech consulting company Accenture and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ali predicted that by 2030, a third of workforce tasks will fall into each of these categories. He emphasized that technology is only beneficial if it frees up time for high-value human interaction rather than simply creating more work.

“There’s a lot of noise out there that is going to have almost no impact on your work, and you don’t have to know the daily update of everything that’s happening in the AI world,” said Ali. “But there are a few things that are grounded truths that aren’t going to change anytime soon that are fundamental parts of how the technology works that will endure and it is good and it is safe to invest your time in.”

$100 million investment

UH President Wendy Hensel described AI as “an infusion that touches all things” that will fundamentally reshape UH operations, teaching and thinking. She announced a planned investment of approximately $100 million across UH to boost student success, infrastructure and AI capabilities.

“We are either going to lean into this change and shape it and brand it and focus on who we are as a community and make it work or we’re going to constantly be waving in the wind as these things roll out and find ourselves in a defensive posture,” Hensel said.

To coordinate this scale, Hensel revealed UH is hiring its first Associate Vice President for Workforce Development. This joins strategic partnerships with Google, Microsoft and MIT, alongside current initiatives such as the free, 12 chapter “AI for Hawaiʻi” courses, a centralized UH OneAI Hub and faculty curriculum incentives.

The seven University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu have extended their application deadline to August 14, giving prospective students additional time to apply and begin classes this fall. UH Mānoa’s application deadline has passed, but all students who have been accepted are encouraged to enroll and register for classes.

Apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist

Fall classes begin August 24.

“Many people assume they have missed their opportunity once summer is coming to an end, but that is simply not the case,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult or someone ready to return to college, there is still time. We want to help you take that next step because there is a place for you at UH.”

Students can choose from nearly 200 degree, certificate and career and technical education programs across the 10-campus UH System, with day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life circumstances. Whether students are looking to start college, prepare for a new career, earn a credential or continue toward a bachelor’s degree, there are still opportunities to begin this fall.

Affordable, flexible and worth the investment

A UH education is more affordable than many people realize. Most UH students graduate debt free, with about 90% of UH Community College graduates and nearly 70% of graduates from UH‘s four-year campuses completing their degrees without student loan debt. Eligible community college students may also qualify for the Hawaiʻi Promise Program, which helps cover direct education costs for tuition, fees and books.

“There has never been a better time to invest in yourself,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “Whether your goal is to earn a degree, gain workforce credentials, transfer to a four-year university or explore a new career, we are ready to help you get started.”

A UH education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or career and technical certificate often see the benefits right away, earning higher wages when they enter the workforce while building toward lifetime earnings that can exceed $2 million more than those of someone without a college education. They also enjoy greater career opportunities, stronger job security and increased access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans and paid leave.

Personalized support every step of the way

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize course options and allow time to complete financial aid, academic advising, registration and other enrollment steps before classes begin on August 24. Students do not have to navigate the process alone. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

To apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist, visit applytouh.org.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Kapiʻolani Community College Liberal Arts undergraduate Maliny Soukkhasem.

Soukkhasem shared: “This past Spring on Kapiʻolani Community College campus. I won in the student division for lei contest. This is a photo of my Spanish professor who also won in her faculty division. It was a special moment to share in this winning experience on campus together since class was online.”

Send us your image!

Previous Images
Hammerhead Sharks
Lei making
35mm photoshoot
Noni lab
May Day, 1952
All Images of the Week

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu faculty have advanced international research and practice on preparing food systems for climate-related disasters, pandemics and other interconnected disruptions through the completion of the Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems special research topic, “Food System Resilience, Disaster Preparedness & Response,” now published as an open access e-book that can be downloaded.

“Universities create their greatest value by translating recent scientific knowledge into practical action. This research topic, our Hawaiʻi disaster preparedness study, and the Resilient by Design initiative demonstrate a knowledge-to-action model that connects research, community partnerships and public policy to build resilient agri-food systems,” said Albie Miles, associate professor of sustainable community food systems.

Miles, who is also the co-director of the UH’s Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems, served as lead associate editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. This collection, which comprises 14 articles by 61 authors, has already garnered more than 98,000 views and downloads.

Need for improved preparedness

The research is particularly relevant for Hawaiʻi. Recent history has illustrated the fragility of local food access, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires and frequent severe weather. The publication explores these types of vulnerabilities while offering evidence-based strategies for disaster preparedness, recovery and adaptation.

A recurring theme in the research is the need for improved household preparedness. A previous study by UH West Oʻahu Professor Konstantinos Zougris and Miles found that only 12% of 1,006 surveyed Hawaiʻi households maintained the state recommended 14-day supply of food, water and essential medicine. This finding underscores the necessity of strengthening household preparedness as a foundation for broader food system resilience.

The project also dovetails with the Resilient by Design: Reimagining Pacific Food Systems initiative that focuses on transforming Pacific food security, climate adaptation, and regional sovereignty. As a co-lead on the project’s steering committee, Miles helped bridge global resilience science with Pacific Island priorities to strengthen partnerships across the region.

As the University of Hawaiʻi continues to enhance its digital learning infrastructure, a new tool is rolling out this fall 2026 to support academic integrity and student flexibility. The new tool will allow educators to conduct online proctored exams and quizzes across the UH 10 campus system.

The new online proctoring tools by Honorlock will be integrated directly into Lamakū, the university’s learning management system. Because it integrates directly into Lamakū, UH students do not need to create a separate account, schedule appointments or commute to a physical testing center to take their assessments.

The platform’s 24/7 availability is designed to accommodate the varied lives of modern distance-learning students.

“This provides students in online courses the flexibility to complete their exam when it best fits their schedule, during the exam window established by the course instructor,” said UH Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer Gloria Niles.

Exam proctoring options

Most exams will utilize Honorlock’s automated, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven online proctoring tool. In these AI-only sessions, the software records the test-taker’s webcam, microphone and screen without the presence of a real-time human monitor. The AI flags specific behaviors—such as talking, looking away from the screen, accessing search engines, or using unauthorized devices—and compiles a report for the instructor’s review and discretion.

For exams requiring higher security, an “AI + Live Pop-In” version is also available. This upgraded option includes a human proctor who monitors the AI session in real-time and may intervene with the student if a potential violation is detected. Instructors seeking to use the Live Pop-In version must get approval from their UH campus leadership due to a per-student charge to the campus, which cannot be passed on to the student. Regardless of the proctoring version used, the instructor retains full authority to make final decisions on any flagged behaviors.

Training and resources

To prepare for this rollout, the UH Online Innovation Center developed an Honorlock resource and practice exam, available for self-enrollment in the Lamakū Discover area. This allows both faculty and students to experience the AI-only tool in a low-pressure environment. For ongoing assistance, Honorlock technical support is available to test-takers 24/7/365 via email and live chat.

The University of Hawaiʻi celebrates August 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

50 years

Doktor, Robert
Professor, UH Mānoa

Leonhardt, Kenneth W
Specialist, UH Mānoa

40 years

Davis IV, Harry B
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Debrah, Joan M
Instructor, UH Mānoa

Higa, Ross R
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Jensen, Craig M
Professor, UH Mānoa

McCraw, David R
Professor, UH Mānoa

Nakamoto, Michele S Y
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

30 years

Black, Rhonda S
Professor, UH Mānoa

Castellano, Fabiola N
Administrative Assistant, Leeward CC

Daehler, Curtis C
Professor, UH Mānoa

Iwai, Tomoko
Instructor, UH Mānoa

Lee, Femar R
Professor, Honolulu CC

Lum, Anne E
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Malm, Elaina A
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Mine, Jodi A K
Vice Chancellor, Hawaiʻi CC

Misawa, Mitsuru
Professor, UH Mānoa

Napoleon, David N
Vice Chancellor, Kapiʻolani CC

Nylen, Rae H
Instructor, UH Mānoa

Opulauoho, Leslie L
Assistant Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Overstreet, Maryann E
Professor, UH Mānoa

Pourjalali, Hamid
Professor, UH Mānoa

Shinagawa, Satoru
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Tonry, John L
Researcher, UH Mānoa

20 years

Adrian, Julie A L
Professor, UH Hilo

Agcaoili, Aurelio S
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Babcock, Mary K
Professor, UH Mānoa

Baker, Charlene K
Professor, UH Mānoa

Bernstein, Erica G
Instructor, UH Hilo

Bertz, Edward O
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Borza, Edmund J
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Cai, Weirong
Professor, Leeward CC

Coyamin Jr, R A
General Laborer, Kauaʻi CC

Daniels, Ryan B
Professor, UH Maui College

Ferguson, Michael J
Professor, Windward CC

Frueh, Bartley C
Professor, UH Hilo

Fujita, James H
Professor, Leeward CC

Glazer, Brian T
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Golub, Alex J
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Guerzhoy, Pavel
Professor, UH Mānoa

Hamilton Faris, Jaimey E
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Heller, Mary F
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Higa, Marguerite A
Professor, UH Mānoa

Ishihara, Christine K M V
Vice Chancellor, UH Maui College

Jiang, Hong
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Kalk, Jonathan W
Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Khaleghi, Gholam H
Professor, Leeward CC

Kim, Bryan S
Professor, UH Hilo

Kimura, Ehito
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Komatsu, Chris T
IT Specialist, UH System

Kukahiko, Eomailani K
Specialist, UH Mānoa

Lachman, Andrew A
Auxiliary And Facilities Services Manager, UH Mānoa

Li, Hongwei
Associate Professor, Windward CC

Lono, Shannon K
Administrative Assistant, Leeward CC

Loong, Chet-Yeng
Professor, UH Mānoa

Lopes, Natasha M P
Instructor, UH Mānoa

Lu, Kristina Y
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Lundblad, Steven P
Professor, UH Hilo

Mexia, Jeffrey K
Dean, Kauaʻi CC

Nguyen, Thanh T T
Specialist, UH Mānoa

Nixon, David C
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Okazaki, Kim Y
Administrative Officer, UH Mānoa

Ono, Ira-Vance M
Painter, UH Mānoa

Osborne, Thomas A
Professor, UH Mānoa

Park, Hyoung-June
Professor, UH Mānoa

Park, Mee-Jeong
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Petersen, Carole
Professor, UH Mānoa

Powers, Julie E
Professor, UH Maui College

Reelitz, Ena T C
Child Care Center Teacher, UH Mānoa

Reemelin, Spencer C
Instructor, UH Mānoa

Reiss, Suzanna J
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Robinson, Scott D
Specialist, UH Mānoa

Rosenlee, Li-Hsiang L
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Scheffler, Pamela Y
Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Scully, Michael
Professor, Leeward CC

Sharma, Nandita
Professor, UH Mānoa

Shek, Dina M
Specialist, UH Mānoa

Shibuya, Noriko
Janitor, Windward CC

Shumway, Todd R
Junior Specialist, UH Hilo

Singh, Navtej
Professor, Windward CC

Szostak, John D
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Tagami, Jeffrey S
Fiscal Specialist, UH Mānoa

Takamiya, Marianne
Professor, UH Hilo

Tarui, Nori
Professor, UH Mānoa

Teramoto, Jennifer L
Contract and Grants Specialist, UH System

Wen, Hsing
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Williams, Philip G
Dean, UH Mānoa

Wilson, Stefanie D
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Yoshida, Joseph D
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Yung, Felicia B K F
Financial Aid Specialist, UH Mānoa

10 years

Allen, Sarah T
Professor, UH Mānoa

Atalag, Ozan
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Bisbee, Michelle A
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Bussiere, Simon M
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Chinen-Moore, Joanne S
Instructor, UH West Oʻahu

Ching, Kelli W J L
Educational Specialist, UH Mānoa

Ching, Penny D O S
Student Services Specialist, UH Mānoa

Custodio, Ricardo C
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Dagdag, Faustino
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

De Soto, Kate L E
Associate Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Dill, Susie M D
Assistant Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Dinh, David L
Instructor, UH West Oʻahu

Duong, Danny K Y
Janitor, Honolulu CC

Edwards Jr, Donald B
Professor, UH Mānoa

Ehlers, Sharon M
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Erum, Alexis J
Associate Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Fujii, Rayna R H
Associate Specialist, UH Mānoa

Galicinao, Jeffrey A
Lab Manager, UH West Oʻahu

Gonzales, Coty J
Associate Professor, Honolulu CC

Goodwin, Jeff L
Specialist, UH Mānoa

Gorbach, Julien S
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Haag, Andre R
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Hensley, Patricia K
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Ho, Jeffrey B
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Hopela, Charlene
Distance Education Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Horovitz, Liana M
Associate Professor, UH Maui College

Itoga, Holly T
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

James, Laurie Y
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Johnson, Irene Y L
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH Mānoa

Jube, Sandro L R
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Kaio, Pele H
Assistant Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Kanahele, Tracy N K H
Assistant Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Kao, Pei-Ling
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Knope, Matthew L
Assistant Professor, UH Mānoa

Konh, Bardia
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Kotecki, Kristine E
Associate Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Laimana, John K
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Liu, Veny
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Mar, Christina J
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Martin, Margary
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Masuda, Akihiko
Professor, UH Mānoa

McCafferty, Heather R K
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

McDonnell, Bradley J
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

McGuire, Laura M
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Medeiros, Matthew C I
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Mitchell, Craig D
Instructor, Hawaiʻi CC

Miyahara, Nolan M
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Namba, Ruria
Associate Professor, Hawaiʻi CC

Neo, Rachel L
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Nguyen, Nhu H
Researcher, UH Mānoa

Ninci, Jennifer M
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Odani, Jenee S
Veterinarian, UH System

Ongosia, Elisa T
Residence Life Specialist, UH Mānoa

Paulo, Julius R S
IT Specialist, UH Mānoa

Prudencio, Jarred B M
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Puniwai, Noelani P F
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Quintus, Seth
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Rader, John C
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Reyes, Nicole A
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Romero, Yasmine A
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Ross, Megan C
Associate Professor, UH West Oʻahu

Sergi, Huijin K
Assistant Professor, Leeward CC

Sharma, Rina
IT Specialist, UH Mānoa

Shinagawa, Myles T
Building Maintenance Worker, UH Mānoa

Sierralta, Karla I
Professor, UH Mānoa

Smith, Amanda R
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Stepec, Joseph A
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Teramoto, Teri A K
University Security Officer, Kapiʻolani CC

Thornton, Paul D
Associate Professor, UH Maui College

Walguarnery, Justin W
Assistant Professor, UH Mānoa

Watkins, Stephen W
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

White, Sherrie
Lab Manager, UH Mānoa

Yogi, Susan Y
Educational Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Zhang, Guohui
Professor, UH Mānoa

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH Mānoa undergraduate and Office of Communications student worker Natasha Maafala during a visit to Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) on Moku o Loʻe in Kāneʻohe Bay.

Maafala and fellow Office of Communications student workers Liliana Okimoto and Emili Phomsouvanh had the opportunity to experience some of HIMB research—including young hammerhead shark—and educational outreach.

From the “living laboratory” of Hawaiʻi, HIMB advances fundamental research and develops new technologies to address the challenges facing Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and the world’s oceans.

Send us your image!

Previous Images
Lei making
35mm photoshoot
Noni lab
May Day, 1952
Weekend weather
All Images of the Week

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

Inoa

—Name, term, title.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

Check back for more ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

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

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

Windward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu have been recognized as some of the nation’s highest-performing institutions for student satisfaction. Both campuses have earned a place on the inaugural 2026 Student Voice Score (SVS) Honors List, released by higher education technology company EdSights.

The SVS Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20 percent of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that set the national standard for student experience and success. Windward CC ranked No. 2 overall among 2-year public institutions nationwide. The UH West Oʻahu ranked No. 9 among 4-year public institutions.

Delivering on mission

This recognition signals that UH campuses are delivering on their core mission to provide accessible, supportive and high-quality educational environments. According to the report, top-performing 2-year public institutions like Windward CC are providing access, affordability, flexible scheduling and dedicated support staff to help students balance school with work and family.

“The voice of our beloved students in this survey affirms how they flourish through the aloha and dedication of our faculty and staff who live our mission and values,” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “Windward Community College is a magical place to learn and work because of our people.”

At 4-year public institutions like UH West Oʻahu, students highly value approachable faculty, relevant coursework, strong campus communities and comprehensive student services, such as advising and counseling, the report said.

“It brings me great pride to see our campus celebrated through the voices of our own students,” said UH West Oʻahu Interim Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, and it affirms that student support and success are at the heart of everything we do at UH West Oʻahu.”

‘Where students can thrive’

The SVS benchmark is unique because it captures satisfaction directly from the students themselves at scale. The 2026 SVS Report analyzed feedback from more than 125,000 students attending 257 colleges and universities.

“At a moment when higher education is often thought of in the context of headlines about declining confidence and enrollment challenges, the Student Voice Score^® tells a more nuanced story—students are telling us that many colleges and universities are delivering exceptional experiences,” said Carolina Recchi, co-founder and co-CEO of EdSights. “The institutions recognized on this year’s Honors List have distinguished themselves by listening to students, responding to their needs, and creating environments where students can thrive.”

Under a five-year contract, EdSights has provided each UH campus with a proactive AI chatbot designed to check in with students, connect them to resources and provide valuable insights into student needs. The initiative is part of a systemwide student success strategy to create a “common standard of care” for UH students across the state.

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu recently hosted the 5th annual Hawaiʻi Threat Assessment Conference (HTAC), a statewide effort that brought together more than 200 attendees and a dozen national and local experts. In collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Office of Homeland Security, the event equipped participants with vital tools to enhance community safety across the islands.

This year’s conference centered on “The Threat Continuum,” emphasizing the integration of threat prevention, management and response. By mastering both mitigation and rapid response, Hawaiʻi communities can better protect their residents.

“Making our communities safer through the incorporation of both mitigation strategies helps to limit injuries and loss of life, as well as potential liabilities,” said HTAC co-organizer and UH West Oʻahu’s Director of Compliance Bev Baligad. “It should never be about choosing one over the other. Embracing efforts to support the entire threat continuum is the key.”

‘Preventative practice’

The conference featured speakers from the Honolulu Police Department, the FBI and other experts who shared strategies for today’s rapidly changing environment.

“Threat assessment and management is very important because it’s such a preventative practice that you can really get red flag warnings, you can see the concerning behaviors, and then you can act on it on the front end,” said Ed Howard, CEO of Pax Bello Security Solutions Hawaiʻi, LLC.

By providing these training opportunities, the conference strengthens the state’s capacity to identify risks early. Steven MacDonald, executive director of Safer Schools Together, highlighted the lasting impact of collaboration.

“This gathering shows the great work that’s already been done across the islands, across the Pacific,” MacDonald said. “That’s going to be one of the greatest ways for our communities to continue to grow and get stronger.”

With funding support from Homeland Security and Department of Justice grants, these efforts ensure Hawaiʻi remains at the forefront of community-wide safety and resilience.

For more visit Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Leeward Community College.

“Leeward Community College staff and students participate in a lei-making workshop organized by the college’s Office of Workforce Development and led by Honolulu floral and botanical studio Palai Hawaiʻi. The hands-on team-building event encouraged creativity, cultural learning and connections. Photo by Maria Orona.”

Check out the video from the event on Leeward CC‘s Instagram.

Previous Images
35mm photoshoot
Noni lab
May Day, 1952
Weekend weather
Monk seals
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

Hoe

—Paddle (As a canoe).

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“E kaupē aku nō i ka hoe a kō mai (Put forward the paddle and draw it back).”

—Lanakila Grosse, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu has achieved a major milestone, ranking 3rd nationally in the Cyber Power Rankings for the National Cyber League (NCL) spring 2026 competition. This performance, involving more than 7,500 students from 670 institutions, marks the university’s highest placement to date, rising from 9th in the previous fall competition.

“NCL teaches you the skills you can’t always pick up in the classroom,” said student Sean Belisle. “You need to use your academic knowledge and combine it with logic and problem solving skills to find answers, and it’s this combination that has been preparing us well for our careers after school.”

The NCL event, powered by Cyber Skyline, tests students against real-world workforce challenges, including forensic data analysis, pentesting (a simulated cyberattack) and ransomware recovery.

Student Joel Kawamae added, “In a field like cybersecurity, where technology is constantly evolving, the solutions that work today are not always the same solutions we will rely on tomorrow. Competitions like the National Cyber League and other CTFs (Capture The Flag, a common format for cybersecurity competitions) challenge us to adapt to unfamiliar problems and to learn under pressure, and that ability to keep learning is one of the most valuable traits a cybersecurity professional can have.”

Skill, determination, teamwork

“Participation in the National Cyber League provides students with an opportunity to apply their cybersecurity knowledge in a realistic, hands-on environment while competing against some of the best student talent in the nation,” said Anthony Eich, team coach and a cybersecurity lecturer.

In May, a UH West Oʻahu team, which included students from Honolulu Community College, secured 4th place nationally in the NCL Team Standard Bracket.

Eich said, “Earning a top-four team finish and helping UH West Oʻahu achieve a third-place national Cyber Power Ranking demonstrates the skill, determination and teamwork of our students. I am incredibly proud of what they accomplished and excited to see the continued growth of our cybersecurity program.”

For more visit Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) strategy to the Board of Regents (BOR) on July 16 at UH Mānoa, detailing a bold vision to accelerate AI training and adoption across the university system and serve the needs of Hawaiʻi.

Likening the technology to “the new electricity,” the presentation emphasized the urgency to prepare Hawaiʻi’s workforce for a rapidly shifting landscape. Hensel highlighted industry statistics, noting that one-third of entry-level jobs now require AI skills, and 80% of hiring managers consider AI competency a priority when evaluating candidates.

“Because this is here, it is going to radically transform what we do, and the failure to talk about it as an institution of higher education means that we will constantly be reacting rather than setting the course for our students, our faculty, staff and the state,” said Hensel during her presentation at the BOR meeting.

To meet this demand, the university has adopted a holistic approach to AI that spans governance, curriculum, workforce development, research and operations. A cornerstone of this approach is the newly adopted UH AI Policy, which establishes guidelines for the “responsible and ethical use of AI technologies,” promoting transparency, accountability and fairness across the university community. To implement this vision, UH has formed a dedicated AI Task Force focused on Hawaiian culture and values, ethics and governance, and curriculum and pedagogy.

More than 100 AI-infused courses

The university currently boasts more than 100 new or AI-infused courses and has launched new AI certificates, concentrations and programs at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, UH Maui College, UH West Oʻahu and Honolulu Community College. Furthermore, nearly 100 instructors from across the system have been supported in developing and incorporating AI-related assignments into their classes.

The university is also prioritizing hands-on experiential learning. Initiatives such as EL3vate provide intense faculty professional development to weave AI and design thinking into course curricula, while AI Innovation@RISE offers students systemwide opportunities to work directly with industry partners on real-world tech needs in Hawaiʻi.

Beyond the 10 campus system, UH is providing resources to the public. The newly launched “AI for Hawaiʻi” is a free, open-access, 12-chapter foundational course offering training and applied learning for communities across the islands. UH is collaborating with tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, and is proposed as a regional anchor to adapt AI curriculum co-created with MIT. All of these tools, community practices and resources are centralized on the OneAI Hub website.

“It’s going to happen whether we embrace it or not, and the important thing is that we decide how we deploy it and use it through a position of information and knowledge, and not reacting to the winds of change,” said Hensel during her presentation.