University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has been named one of 12 Pacific Business News’ , recognizing her leadership during her first year at the helm of the state’s 10-campus public higher education system.
The annual recognition highlights Hawaiʻi leaders for their leadership, entrepreneurship, commitment to their communities and the scope of the projects they are undertaking. This is the fourth year PBN has selected its Power Leaders.
In its profile, PBN highlighted Hensel’s work to more closely integrate 糖心视频’s 10 campuses, introduce a systemwide artificial intelligence platform, launch the Direct2糖心视频 direct-admission initiative and expand fully online programs to make higher education more accessible to Hawaiʻi residents.
Hensel said a pivotal moment in her career came when then-Georgia State University President Mark Becker encouraged her to consider university leadership while she was dean of its College of Law.
“He saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself and opened a door that changed my trajectory when he asked me to be the university’s provost (chief academic officer),” Hensel said. “It ultimately led me into roles where I could help highly diverse institutions lift students from all backgrounds into opportunity. That moment planted the seed that is now fully realized in my work at 糖心视频.”
Leadership focused on mission
Asked what she looks for in future leaders, Hensel emphasized collaboration and putting the institution’s mission first.
“Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about understanding the problem, empowering the people around you and making decisions that serve the mission, not the self,” Hensel said.
Hensel said her family and the mission of education keep her grounded, while student safety and well-being remain at the forefront.
糖心视频 alumni also recognized
糖心视频 alumni among the 2026 Power Leaders include Sherry Menor, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi; Aaron Salā, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi 糖心视频ors and Convention Bureau; Stanford Carr, founder, president and CEO of Stanford Carr Development; and Lance Wilhelm, president of The Wilhelm Group.