University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 President Wendy Hensel visited the 糖心视频 Maui College on Tuesday, April 8, marking the final stop in her statewide tour of 10 糖心视频 campuses and six education centers.

Hensel began her visit at 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 High School, meeting with Early College students鈥攈igh school students who take 糖心视频 courses and earn both college and high school credits. 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 High currently has just over 50 Early College students out of 334 total enrollment. Hensel asked the students what they thought about the Early College program and how it could be improved. In turn, the students asked her about her career path and how she became 糖心视频 president.

鈥淚 think it was great that she came to talk to us, because now we know what we can do and other opportunities we can explore,鈥� said Solid Wong, a 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 High School freshman. 鈥淪he also explained what her journey was like, and how others could follow a similar path. That’s awesome.鈥�

Hensel then met with retired 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 Education Center administrators, who shared the history of the center and its impact on the island. Afterward, she joined the center leadership and staff, along with 糖心视频 Maui Chancellor Lui Hokoana and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Della Teraoka, for lunch to continue conversations about the center鈥檚 important role in the community.

The afternoon included a listening session with six center graduates and current students. They shared their educational experiences, the challenges they faced, and how higher education has positively influenced their lives and careers.

鈥淚t was a day of inspiring stories that really moved me about the power of education and the importance of having access on every island so that we meet the needs and goals of our entire community,鈥� said Hensel. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very rural here, more isolated than our other campuses, so ensuring that we have opportunities on 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 is critical.鈥�

Making a difference

The 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 Education Center has about 150 students enrolled in spring 2025 along with 100 non-credit students. Over the past four years, the center has awarded 47 associate degrees and 52 certificates.

鈥淚 hope the president understands how important higher education is on this island, and how it has made such a tremendous difference,鈥� said Kelley Dudoit, 糖心视频 Maui 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 Education Center Coordinator. 鈥淭he people of 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 really make the most of what they have. I hope she also gets a genuine feeling for the aloha of this place.鈥�

Hensel concluded her visit with a reception and a question-and-answer session with about 30 community members. Topics included academic pathways, credit transfer challenges within the 糖心视频 System, and expanding local opportunities.

鈥淪he鈥檚 engaging, she listens, and she gives me hope that we鈥檙e on the right track, even in challenging times,鈥� said Donna Haytko-Paoa, a retired 惭辞濒辞办补驶颈 Education Center administrator. 鈥淚t鈥檚 clear she cares. She heard us, she met with us, and she was physically here.鈥�

Hensel says she will use the insights gathered during her statewide tour of 糖心视频 campuses and education centers to develop a strategic plan outlining goals and priorities, which she will present to the Board of Regents.

During her visit, she also stopped at Kaunakakai Elementary, where nine 翱驶补丑耻 and Maui-based dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and nurses were providing free dental services as part of the , a partnership between the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the State Department of Education.

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel visited Windward Community College on March 24, 2025, marking the completion of her commitment to visit all 10 糖心视频 campuses within her first 90 days in office.

The visit began with a traditional Hawaiian protocol welcoming ceremony led by the college’s Native Hawaiian Council Ke Kumu Pali, setting a warm and culturally rich tone for the day. Hensel then engaged with a variety of campus stakeholders, including student leaders, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners. An open campus forum welcomed more than 40 attendees, providing an opportunity for Hensel to listen to the concerns, ideas and aspirations of the Windward CC community.

“I think it’s amazing that she’s coming here, being willing to hear us out, and willing to understand what can be better,” said Minakshi Kutty, a Windward CC student. “I’m just so happy to see that.”

Student Hio Pelesasa added, “I feel good. There’s a president here who cares about us and comes to our school to answer questions for our students.”

During the meetings and open forum, Hensel answered questions on a wide range of topics, including the impact of recent executive orders and federal policy shifts, her overall vision for 糖心视频 and how Hawaiian culture informs it, the need for more HR staff, strategies to address expected enrollment declines, plans to incorporate artificial intelligence, and concerns about the perception that community colleges are overlooked compared to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补—among many others.

National award winner

Windward CC is the recipient of the 2025 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation.

“It鈥檚 no surprise to me that they won a national award,” said Hensel. “The commitment to students shows in everything they do and very innovative programs. Really proud of these folks.”

Windward CC鈥檚 enrollment has increased by 20% over the past five years, with 2,765 students enrolled for the 2024–25 academic year. Since implementing its strategic plan in 2020, the college has made notable progress in expanding access and improving completion rates.

Hensel also praised Windward CC鈥檚 strong sense of mission and its deep commitment to student success.

“Windward Community College is absolutely beautiful and the people are beautiful too,” she said. “Many of these folks were students here and now are mentors for the next generation. It鈥檚 just a really exciting place that clearly feels the mission and acts on it.”

Free tuition for Windward public school students and more

Innovative programs have been key to Windward CC鈥檚 success. The offers Windward Oʻahu public and charter high school graduates up to $3,930 for their first year of tuition. The provides a fully online, accelerated path to an Associate in Arts in Hawaiian Studies degree. Additionally, the offers a one-year online certificate in Hawaiian music, the program equips students with the skills to enter the mental health services field, and the prepares students for careers in animal health.

Windward CC鈥檚 Puʻuhonua: Places of Sanctuary program continues to provide transformative educational opportunities for incarcerated learners. Since 2017, the program has served 1,005 students who have earned 3,083 credits with an impressive 85% average success rate. In 2025, the program extended its Hawaiian studies offerings to men incarcerated at Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona.

Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg expressed her gratitude for President Hensel鈥檚 visit.

“We鈥檙e just really thankful for her leadership at this time, and we鈥檙e really thankful to have everyone on our campus. It鈥檚 a beautiful campus, and it鈥檚 great to be able to showcase it,” she said.

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel visited Kauaʻi Community College on March 5 and left inspired by the campus’ strong sense of community and connection.

“The campus is deeply committed to seeing success in its community at every level,” said Hensel after the day-long visit. “Students are empowered to give back to other students, creating a cycle of support that strengthens the entire community. They鈥檙e backed by faculty and staff who not only care about their academic and career goals but also about who they are as individuals.”

Kauaʻi CC is the 9th 糖心视频 campus she has visited as part of her statewide tour of the 10-campus system and five education centers during her first 90 days in office. The day began with a Hawaiian protocol ceremony at the campus ahu, which is made up of stones from every ahupuaʻa on the island—symbolizing the deep connection between the college and the broader Kauaʻi community.

Hensel then toured the campus library, where many student services are housed, including the International Programs Office, Hoʻai Food and Goods Pantry, Kikuchi Center, tutoring services and the distance education center. She later met with the Makaloa Council, the designated advisory board to the chancellor to support the campus-wide integration of Hawaiian values, and toured the campus loʻi (taro patch).

Additional stops included the Apiary Project Office and meetings with the campus leadership team, before an open campus forum attended by more than 50 students, faculty and staff. The main concern raised was the potential impacts of recent federal executive orders on 糖心视频.

“We are in uncharted waters, and the only way for us to navigate this as a community is to work through it together,” Hensel said. “That鈥檚 why communication is so important, so that your voices are heard.”

Other topics discussed included strengthening community colleges, filling vacant positions amid budget and salary constraints, improving systemwide communication and the role 糖心视频 should play in addressing housing shortages for students and employees.

“I鈥檝e been really impressed by her attitude and her commitment to staying engaged,” said Kauaʻi CC associate history professor Mark Ombrello after the forum. “With this visit, not just to Kauaʻi, but to all the campuses in the system, I think she鈥檚 really demonstrating that commitment. She wants to stay engaged with everyone, and that鈥檚 a very positive sign.”

Following the forum, President Hensel had lunch with student leaders, where she learned about the K墨paipai Program and Waiʻaleʻale Project, both of which provide pathways to higher education for underserved students.

“I really like her leadership style,” said Asher Griffith, Kauaʻi CC student government president after the lunch meeting. “She seems very interested in helping the community and Hawaiʻi as a whole. She has taken on leadership roles before during difficult times like COVID, and I believe she鈥檚 well-prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Hensel met with the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate in the afternoon, discussing shared governance and the role of faculty and staff in shaping the university鈥檚 future. The day concluded with a 糖心视频 Foundation-sponsored reception at The Plantation House by Gaylords, attended by more than 40 Kauaʻi CC supporters and community members.

“It鈥檚 pretty amazing how many people come to Kauaʻi Community College for their education and choose to stay, continuing to give back,” she said. “It鈥檚 such a tight-knit community, and people don鈥檛 want to leave. The challenge now is figuring out how to ensure they have the resources and opportunities they need right here on the island.”

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Monday, March 24 –
• Tuesday, April 8 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel visited 糖心视频 Maui College on Monday, March 3, as part of her statewide tour of the 10-campus 糖心视频 system and five education centers during her first 90 days in office.

The visit provided an opportunity for Hensel to engage with students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni and community members to discuss key challenges and opportunities for higher education in Maui County.

“We’re excited to have the president here鈥攖o see things firsthand at Maui College, to meet with our students, faculty, and staff and to understand the needs of our campus,” said 糖心视频 Maui Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “We took her out to 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 and we’ll also be taking her to Molokaʻi. It鈥檚 a great opportunity for our community to share our priorities with her.”

Campus tour and conversations

The visit began with a traditional Hawaiian protocol ceremony, formally welcoming Hensel to the campus. She then met with the Lauʻulu Council, which represents Native Hawaiian faculty and staff, before touring parts of the campus, including the dental hygiene facilities. She visited marketing, dental hygiene, art, ceramics and nursing classes and took questions from students to gain firsthand insight into their experiences. She had a lunch meeting with student and faculty leaders at the campus restaurant, Leis Family Class Act, and a meal prepared by culinary students.

“She shared a lot of her personal story with us, and I found that really relatable,” said 糖心视频 Maui Student Body President Jenelyn Santos, one of the student leaders in attendance. “I wanted her to understand that we need more opportunities at 糖心视频 Maui. I think she really listened, and hopefully, she鈥檒l be able to implement some positive changes.”

Addressing key issues

Hensel participated in an open campus forum attended by approximately 80 people, where she addressed a range of pressing topics. Discussions included her vision for 糖心视频 Maui College, concerns about federal funding cuts, the challenges of hiring faculty due to pay limitations and expanding academic programs.

“They want students to stay home for their education and so building these programs to meet the needs of the island is really important,” said Hensel. “It is a beautiful campus and everyone seems really excited about their studies here.”

Community reception and local support

The visit concluded with a reception at the campus鈥� Paʻina Food Court, where more than 90 attendees—including County Council Chair Alice Lee and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen—gathered to welcome Hensel. The event featured food prepared by 糖心视频 Maui College culinary students.

“This college impacts so many people, and the university as a whole plays such a vital role in our community,” said Bissen. “I鈥檓 just really grateful she took the time to come here and meet with us. We all want the same thing, right? We want success. We want our students to thrive. We want more students to enroll, to stay home, to build their futures here.”

糖心视频 Maui College鈥檚 impact

糖心视频 Maui College is the only 糖心视频 community college that serves students across multiple islands, including Maui, 尝腻苍补ʻ颈, and Molokaʻi. Hensel previously visited the 糖心视频 Maui College 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 Education Center on February 10 and is scheduled to visit the Molokaʻi Education Center on April 8.

Enrollment at 糖心视频 Maui College has grown significantly, with 2,992 students enrolled for the 2024–25 academic year—an increase of 12% over the past two years. The college offers associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees, as well as certificates, in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, culinary arts, automotive technology, and healthcare.

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –
• Tuesday, April 8 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel visited the Hawaiʻi Community College Manono campus in Hilo, the Hawaiʻi CC K艒 Education Center in Honoka驶a and Hawaiʻi CC–笔腻濒补尘补苍耻颈 in Kona during a two-day trip to Hawaiʻi Island on February 24 and 25. The trip was part of Hensel鈥檚 tour of 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses and five education centers in her first 90 days in office.

The Hawaiʻi CC visits included campus tours, open forums and meetings with students, faculty, staff and community members.

“President Hensel is deeply committed to listening and becoming an active part of our community,” said Hawaiʻi CC Chancelor Susan Kazama. “I sense that she understands our mission, recognizes the strength of our kauhale (village), and embraces the collaborative culture that defines Hawaiʻi Community College.”

Hensel spent the first day at the Hawaiʻi CC Manono campus, starting with a traditional K墨paepae (welcoming ceremony) in front of the campus sign at the entrance of the college. She then toured the campus facilities and met with representatives from the academic senate, student government, staff and the campus leadership team. The day ended with an open campus forum with about 40 people in attendance. Discussions at the meetings and forum included strengthening degree pathways between 糖心视频鈥檚 two- and four-year campuses, addressing aging infrastructure, and enhancing student support services.

“I thought she was incredible. She’s very open and articulate, and I truly believe she cares,” said student Mary Nguyen. “That’s what matters most. Often, when you’re in a top position, people can feel intimidated and unapproachable, but she was very approachable.”

After the visit, Hensel described the Hilo campus as a special place.

“The students, faculty and staff have built a strong, supportive community that truly uplifts both students and the wider community,” said Hensel. “That sense of connection was tangible and it was exciting to be part of that environment.”

She also enjoyed a meal prepared by Hawaiʻi CC culinary students and took part in a workshop exploring the elements of a K墨paepae ceremony. During the session, she learned to hoʻokani the pahu (to drum) and p奴 (blow the conch shell), discovering the meaning behind this tradition.

“I really appreciated the hands-on learning opportunities, especially in understanding the cultural practices behind the K墨paepae,” said Hensel. “That was particularly meaningful to me.”

K艒 Education Center and 笔腻濒补尘补苍耻颈

Hensel drove from Hilo to Honoka驶a the following day to visit the K艒 Education Center, one of the seven centers across the state that serve rural communities.

The visit started with a K墨paepae, after which she toured the facility and saw the new butchery class in action. The tour ended with an open forum where she took questions from staff, students and community members.

“I think it’s special when anyone from the system or administration comes out here because you can both hear about the K艒 Education Center and our community, and see it with your own eyes,” said Pele Kaio, contact for the K艒 Education Center. “We’re excited to have her here and to share our successes, as well as our challenges.”

Hensel then traveled to the Kona side of the island in the afternoon to Hawaiʻi CC–笔腻濒补尘补苍耻颈 where she was welcomed with a K墨paepae and made an offering at the campus ahu. She then toured the facilities, met with faculty and staff and took questions at an open campus forum, attended mainly by area residents.

“I would describe both as small, but mighty,” said Hensel of the K艒 Center and 笔腻濒补尘补苍耻颈.

“Their ambition to uplift their communities and make higher education accessible to everyone is truly impressive. Both campuses have beautiful facilities with the capacity to grow alongside their communities, and they each have bold visions for the future that I look forward to supporting.”

Model home visit

The trip was not Hensel’s first interaction with Hawaiʻi CC programs, students and staff.

She visited Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 56th model home, currently under construction in Keaukaha, on Wednesday, February 19, during a tour with the 糖心视频 Board of Regents. Hensel met with students and faculty from Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology (EIMT), Carpentry, Agriculture and I Ola H膩loa Center for Hawaiʻi Life Styles.

“President Hensel came up to our group and asked the students directly what improvements we wanted to see,” said EIMT student KalaʻiI Davis. “We were all speechless. We were able to share our concerns and felt like she understood our point of view. It really made us feel like we could actually have a say in addressing the obstacles we face.”

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Monday, March 3 – and
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –
• Tuesday, April 8 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

Hugs from toddlers at the Honolulu Community College children鈥檚 center were one of the many highlights of University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel鈥檚 visit to 糖心视频鈥檚 oldest community college on February 11. The visit was the latest stop on Hensel驶蝉 tour of 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses and five of the education centers in her first 90 days in office.

Along with visiting the where she got to interact with the toddlers, Hensel also toured Honolulu CC驶蝉 program, which supports careers in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 vibrant music industry, and welding and carpentry classes.

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.

“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) programs was inspiring. The fact that so many of them had jobs before they even graduated was really gratifying to see.”

Career and Technical Education leader

Founded in 1920, Honolulu CC has long been a leader in CTE. With strong programs in aeronautics maintenance, automotive technology and construction trades, the college prepares students for high-demand jobs. Its further highlights a commitment to innovation.

“I think she鈥檚 super nice, very welcoming. Her presence makes you feel heard when she comes here and tries to see what we鈥檙e about,” said second-year carpentry student Kawailani Abraham.

Enrollment at Honolulu CC 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 糖心视频 systemwide average.

Hōkūleʻa Dragomanovich, who is studying Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies, said “I liked what I heard. She鈥檚 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鈥檚 ahead.”

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

“I liked what she had to say. She鈥檚 not afraid of AI, 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鈥檚 taking a holistic approach.”

Hensel鈥檚 visit concluded with an evening reception with community leaders in the campus cafeteria. Her next visit will be to 糖心视频 Hilo on February 18.

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Tuesday, February 18 –
• Monday, February 24 –
• Tuesday February 25 – and
• Monday, March 3 – and
• Tuesday, March 4 –
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel made her first visit to a 糖心视频 neighbor island facility on February 10, stopping at the 糖心视频 Maui College 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 Education Center as part of her statewide tour of 10 糖心视频 campuses and six education centers in her first 90 days.

Hensel started with a tour of 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 High & Elementary School, where she met with Early College students, Principal Douglas Boyer, teachers and staff. She then visited the 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 Education Center, engaging with students and staff before attending a community meeting at the 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 Senior Center.

“She’s very kind, and it was nice to tour her around the campus,” said Sharmaine Mae Elan, student body president of 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 High & Elementary School. “We don’t usually get visitors here on 尝腻苍补ʻ颈, but it’s nice to have that, especially since we have the dual enrollment program. It was nice to meet the person who’s really in charge of that.”

The 糖心视频 Maui College 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 Education Center currently serves 84 students, including 64 Early College students from 尝腻苍补ʻ颈 High & Elementary. It features two distance-learning classrooms and a computer lab, offering live and remote instruction, academic counseling, and college and career resources.

“I’m hoping that she can hear what the students are saying—the ups and downs of being here,” said Pamela Alconcel, the center鈥檚 coordinator. “But I鈥檓 also hoping she can bring in some ideas on how we can better our education center.”

Reflecting on her visit, Hensel emphasized the impact of Early College programs. “It really brings home the importance of our Early College programs to creating excitement on the island about higher education and opportunities,” she said.

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Tuesday, February 11 –
• Tuesday, February 18 –
• Monday, February 24 –
• Tuesday February 25 – and
• Monday, March 3 – and
• Tuesday, March 4 –
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel was in Waiʻanae for her first visit to a 糖心视频 Education Center on February 5.

The Leeward Community College Waiʻanae Moku Education Center, which has been serving the community since 1970, provides access to higher education for approximately 200 students, about 60% of whom are Native Hawaiian. The center offers full-service academic programs, allowing students to earn degrees and certificates close to home.

“I’m so impressed, not only with the programs that they’re offering, but with the passion of the people for this community and the absolute dedication to advancing students to their life goals,” said Hensel. “It really inspired me and makes me excited about the work that we’re doing at the university.”

Hensel, who began her tenure as 糖心视频 president on January 1, 2025, has prioritized engagement with students, faculty and staff across the 糖心视频 system, as she visits all10 campuses and six education centers in her first 90 days. During her visit to Waiʻanae Moku, she participated in discussions with students and faculty, learning about their personal stories and the challenges and successes of the center.

“The main thing was that she wanted to listen and learn,” said Waiʻanae Moku student Hiʻilani Naluai. “Hearing that—it was a very warm feeling in that room after we had all our discussions—and seeing how much of who she really is and how much she’s willing to help.”

Another student, Alaysia Kyle, expressed enthusiasm for Hensel’s leadership.

“I think she’s amazing so far,” she said. “I love that she has many great plans for the future and for our community college and then just integrating us better into our communities, so I look forward to that.”

Leeward CC Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza praised Hensel’s commitment to engaging with Waiʻanae Moku and its students.

He said, “The students, the faculty, the staff in the community have really embraced President Hensel’s visit, appreciating that she’s committing to being here, committing to coming back to Waiʻanae and supporting all of the amazing programs that have quite frankly, as some of the students have shared, saved their lives.”

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Leeward CC opens permanent home for Waiʻanae education center, October 10, 2017

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Monday, February 10 –
• Tuesday, February 11 –
• Tuesday, February 18 –
• Monday, February 24 –
• Tuesday February 25 – and
• Monday, March 3 – and
• Tuesday, March 4 –
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel continued her tour of the 10-campus system in her first 90 days as president with a full day at Leeward Community College on February 3, engaging with students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni, elected officials and community supporters.

Her visit, which began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 6:30 p.m., marked her fourth official campus visit as president.

Hensel, who officially took office on January 1, participated in a series of events at Leeward CC, including a campus forum attended by more than 200 people, meetings with student, faculty, staff, and Native Hawaiian governance groups, a campus tour with Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza and a reception with alumni and community leaders.

“I really like how innovative the campus is in thinking about how to meet student needs, both in the workforce space and in the academic arena,” Hensel said. “And I appreciated how community-focused they were in their conversations and their interest in elevating everyone.”

Hensel was greeted with an oli (chant) at the welcome ceremony. She was then shown Puʻuloa: A Sense of Place, a video highlighting the area鈥檚 rich freshwater resources and cultural significance followed by faculty performing P奴p奴 A ʻO ʻEwa, a song celebrating the region.

Beginning of ongoing engagement

At the campus forum, moderated by Peñaloza, Hensel answered a wide range of questions from students, faculty and staff over the course of 90 minutes.

“We鈥檙e very excited to hear her share what we can expect for the future,” said Peñaloza. “She was able to answer all the questions given the challenges we face today, and she was very positive and reassuring for our students and college community.”

Students who attended the forum shared their thoughts on Hensel鈥檚 visit and engagement.

“I would say that she did a good job answering the questions,” said Leeward CC student Keshawn Wright. “I liked how she addressed the different aspects of each question.”

Fellow student Kamaka Mendoza agreed, adding that Hensel鈥檚 presence and demeanor left a strong impression.

“I feel like I got to learn a lot about her as a person just by the way she spoke and carried herself,” Mendoza said. “I’m a very visual person, and her body language and expressions showed me how she will represent not only us as students but also the state.”

Hensel reassured attendees that her visit was just the beginning of ongoing engagement with Leeward and the 糖心视频 system as a whole. It was not her first visit to Leeward CC. Hensel attended the Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence dance performance at Leeward Theatre in late January.

President Hensel鈥檚 campus/education centers remaining schedule:

President Hensel campus visit recaps

• Wednesday, February 5 – Leeward CC
• Monday, February 10 –
• Tuesday, February 11 –
• Tuesday, February 18 –
• Monday, February 24 –
• Tuesday February 25 – and
• Monday, March 3 – and
• Tuesday, March 4 –
• Wednesday, March 5 – and
• Monday, March 24 –

For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the 糖心视频 community to connect with her on , (formerly Twitter) and .