University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided an update to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) on recent leadership transitions in her report at the July 16 monthly meeting.

The updates included changes at Hawaiʻi Community College, 糖心视频 Mānoa and the VP of Academic Strategy. Hensel discussed next steps for the University Laboratory School partnership, the interim adoption of the Time, Place and Manner policy, and the modernization of student housing, and highlighted several bright spots across the 糖心视频 campuses, including the demolition of Hale Noelani to make way for modern student housing, massive research milestones at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center, and a $5-million investment in 糖心视频 Athletics.

She also recognized 糖心视频 recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service, including the Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Team of the Year.

• Hawaiʻi CC chancellor transition ()
• 糖心视频 Mānoa leadership and VP of Academic Strategy updates ()
• University Lab School agreement ()
• Time, Place and Manner policy update ()
• Hale Noelani demolition ()
• Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and NIH funding ()
• NIL funding commitments for 糖心视频 Athletics ()
• Governor’s Awards ()

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has been selected to represent the Mountain West Conference on the College Football Playoff (CFP) Board of Managers, one of the most influential leadership bodies in collegiate athletics.

The appointment places Hensel among a select group of university presidents and chancellors from across the nation who oversee the governance and long-term direction of the College Football Playoff. The CFP Board of Managers is composed of chief executive officers representing the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and the University of Notre Dame.

As the Mountain West’s representative, Hensel will help guide major decisions related to the College Football Playoff, including governance, strategic direction and other significant matters affecting the future of college football.

“This is an exciting opportunity, both personally and for the University of Hawaiʻi,” Hensel said. “College athletics is undergoing significant change, and it is important that institutions like 糖心视频 and conferences like the Mountain West have a strong voice in shaping that future. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues from across the country to ensure that student-athletes remain at the center of decision-making while helping strengthen the long-term success and sustainability of college football.”

The CFP Board of Managers serves as the governing body for the CFP and has exclusive authority over major organizational matters, including the appointment of officers, approval of budgets and oversight of the playoff’s strategic direction.

“The CFP is fortunate to add a leader of President Wendy Hensel’s caliber to our Board of Managers,” said Rich Clark, Executive Director of the CFP. “Her extensive experience leading major institutions and her unwavering commitment to higher education and student-athlete success will strengthen the Board as it continues to guide the future of college football. We are excited to welcome her and look forward to the thoughtful leadership and perspective she will bring to our organization.”

Expanded leadership presence

The appointment comes as 糖心视频 continues to expand its leadership presence within the Mountain West Conference. Hensel recently joined the Mountain West Board of Directors, which is composed of the presidents and chancellors of member institutions, and was selected to serve on the Mountain West Board Executive Committee, a smaller leadership group that works closely with conference leadership on strategic priorities and governance issues.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said Hensel’s appointment reflects both her leadership abilities and the growing role of the conference in the national athletics landscape.

“President Hensel has quickly established herself as a thoughtful and engaged leader within the Mountain West,” Nevarez said. “Her experience, vision and commitment to student-athlete success make her an outstanding representative for our conference on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. We are proud to have her helping shape the future of college athletics on behalf of the Mountain West.”

糖心视频 officially became a full member of the Mountain West Conference on July 1, 2026, after competing as a football-only member since 2012. Full membership consolidated most of 糖心视频‘s athletics programs within a single conference and strengthened the university’s long-term position in Division I athletics.

For Hensel, the appointment reflects a broader commitment to ensuring 糖心视频 has a seat at the table during a period of unprecedented transformation in intercollegiate athletics.

“糖心视频 Athletics plays an important role in bringing our communities together, creating opportunities for student-athletes and elevating the visibility of our university,” Hensel said. “I am committed to supporting our athletics programs and ensuring Hawaiʻi is actively engaged in conversations that will shape the future of college sports for generations to come.”

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 is Hawaiʻi only NCAA Division I athletics program and sponsors 21 varsity sports with approximately 500 student-athletes. The university’s football program has competed in the Mountain West Conference since 2012 and is entering a new era as part of the conference’s full membership beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.

The College Football Playoff Board of Managers serves as the governing body for the CFP and has exclusive authority over major organizational matters, including the appointment of officers, approval of budgets and oversight of the playoff’s strategic direction.

The ʻohana came together to chart the path forward during a special campus forum on July 9 addressing the upcoming chancellor transition. Held in the campus cafeteria and virtually via Zoom, the event drew about 80 attendees in person and 100 online. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana led the listening session, aiming to gather feedback to inform decisions regarding interim leadership.

With Chancellor Susan Kazama set to retire on July 31, the forum focused on protecting the college’s strong momentum. Three options were presented for community feedback: having the vice president for community colleges temporarily step in, appointing a dedicated interim chancellor focused solely on Hawaiʻi CC, or exploring a temporary, unified islandwide leadership structure with 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin.

Guided by student success

Hensel emphasized that the ultimate choice will be guided by shared voices, stability and student success.

Hensel said. “Our priority today is to listen. We want to ensure that whatever path we choose for our interim leadership honors your kuleana (responsibility) to place and keeps our students first.”

Engagement was high, with participants submitting dozens of questions both in advance and during the live event. Topics covered institutional autonomy, transparent communication and the selection timeline.

The forum marks the beginning of an open conversation. 糖心视频 leadership will now use the community’s feedback to appoint an interim leader, ensuring continuous support for the campus before launching a full search for Hawaiʻi CC‘s permanent chancellor.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has been appointed to key leadership positions within the Mountain West Conference, further strengthening the university’s role as it begins full membership in the conference on July 1, 2026.

Hensel serves on the Mountain West Board of Directors, which is composed of the presidents and chancellors of member institutions and provides strategic oversight and governance for the conference. She has also been selected to serve on the Mountain West Board Executive Committee, a select leadership group that works closely with conference leadership on critical issues affecting the future of the conference and collegiate athletics.

The appointments reflect both Hensel’s commitment to intercollegiate athletics and 糖心视频‘s growing leadership role within the conference.

“Joining the Mountain West as a full member represents an exciting new chapter for 糖心视频 Mānoa and our student-athletes,” Hensel said. “I am honored to serve alongside my fellow presidents and chancellors in helping shape the future of the conference. The Mountain West has embraced Hawaiʻi as a valued partner, and I am committed to ensuring our university plays an active role in advancing opportunities for our student-athletes, supporting competitive excellence and strengthening the conference for years to come.”

Mountain West era begins

糖心视频 Mānoa officially became a full member of the Mountain West Conference on July 1, 2026, after competing as a football-only member since 2012. The move brought most of 糖心视频 Mānoa‘s men’s and women’s sports programs into a single conference affiliation and positioned the university alongside institutions across the western U.S. in one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division I conferences.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez welcomed 糖心视频‘s increased involvement in conference leadership.

“Wendy has quickly become an engaged and valued member of our leadership team,” Nevarez said. “Her perspective, collaborative approach and commitment to student-athlete success make her an excellent addition to the Board Executive Committee. We are excited to continue building the future of the Mountain West with Hawaiʻi as a full member.”

For 糖心视频 Mānoa, full membership in the Mountain West provides greater competitive stability, enhanced scheduling opportunities and a stronger foundation for long-term athletic success. It also ensures that 糖心视频 will have a voice in shaping conference priorities during a period of significant change across intercollegiate athletics.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to providing an outstanding experience for our student-athletes while advancing the academic mission of the institution,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “Having Wendy serve in these leadership roles allows us to contribute to important conversations about the future of college athletics while ensuring Hawaiʻi‘s unique perspective is represented.”

The Mountain West enters a new era in 2026–27 with a reconfigured membership that includes eight all-sport institutions: Air Force, 糖心视频, Nevada, UNLV, New Mexico, San José State, UTEP and Wyoming. The conference also includes several affiliate and sport-specific members, creating a broad and competitive platform for student-athletes across the region.

糖心视频 Mānoa is Hawaiʻi‘s only NCAA Division I athletics program and sponsors 21 varsity sports with approximately 500 student-athletes.

The following guest column by University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel was published in the .

A recent June 21 Honolulu Star-Advertiser article about the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 proposed updates to its Free Expression policy raised important questions—questions I welcome. As a former law professor who taught aspects of First Amendment law, I believe deeply that free speech and open intellectual debate are essential to our mission across all ten 糖心视频 campuses. Protecting these freedoms is one of my most important responsibilities as president.

At the same time, applying First Amendment principles in a real campus environment is complex and highly charged. Like all public universities, 糖心视频 must safeguard individuals鈥� constitutional rights while also ensuring that our campuses remain places where teaching, learning, and research can occur without disruption.

Time, Place, and Manner (TPM) policies are the standard way universities strike this balance. These policies are鈥攁nd must be鈥攕trictly viewpoint-neutral. They do not regulate what people say. Instead, they set reasonable expectations for how, when, and where expression can occur so that campuses remain safe, accessible, and functional for everyone.

糖心视频 has had a TPM policy for decades, but the current version—last substantially updated more than ten years ago—contains ambiguities that have sometimes led to inconsistent interpretation and enforcement. Ambiguity is one of the greatest threats to free speech because it can allow decisions to be influenced, or appear to be influenced, by viewpoint. Our proposed revisions aim to eliminate that risk by clarifying rights and responsibilities for all members of our community.

These updates were not drafted in isolation. Over the past eight months, subject-matter experts have worked closely with faculty senates across all ten campuses, law school scholars, student leaders, employee unions, legal counsel, campus administrators, safety personnel, and civil liberties advocates. Their feedback has strengthened the policy, making it more precise, transparent, and workable. We plan to implement the revised policy in July as an interim measure, allowing for additional discussion and educational sessions in the fall.

The proposed policy reaffirms 糖心视频鈥檚 longstanding commitment to free expression, academic freedom, and the open exchange of ideas. Peaceful protests, demonstrations, rallies, speeches, petitions, and other forms of constitutionally protected expression remain fully protected. The policy also explicitly preserves the right of students, faculty, and staff to spontaneously assemble and engage in expressive activity in generally accessible outdoor areas without prior approval.

What the policy does require is that all activities follow reasonable, viewpoint-neutral TPM standards—such as managing noise levels near classrooms and offices, designating appropriate posting areas, and ensuring that building access remains unobstructed. These are common expectations at universities nationwide. They are designed not to restrict speech, but to ensure that free expression and the core functions of the university can coexist.

I encourage Star-Advertiser readers to visit the university’s resource webpage, where they can review the interim policy, a side-by-side comparison of the proposed changes, a consultation timeline and frequently asked questions.

We welcome continued debate, scrutiny, and engagement. These conversations embody the very academic freedom we are committed to protecting. By working together to establish clear, fair, and consistently applied standards, we can ensure that the University of Hawaiʻi remains a place where robust debate, free inquiry, and transformative learning thrive for generations to come.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on June 25, 2026.

Aloha 糖心视频 ʻohana,

Beginning July 1, 2026, the University of Hawaiʻi will implement an updated Free Expression policy—officially known as the Time, Place and Manner (TPM) policy and procedures—on an interim basis across our 10 campuses. This provisional implementation follows more than eight months of consultation, feedback and revision involving faculty senates across all 10 campuses, law school scholars, student leaders, employee unions, legal counsel, campus administrators, safety personnel and civil liberties advocates.

The interim implementation period will also provide an additional opportunity for outreach, education and community engagement throughout the fall semester before any final adoption is considered. To support those conversations, the university has launched a resource webpage that includes the interim policy and procedures, redline versions showing the proposed changes, a side-by-side comparison of the current and updated policy and procedures, a consultation timeline and an extensive frequently asked questions section.

The proposed policy and procedures reaffirm 糖心视频驶s longstanding commitment to free expression, academic freedom and the open exchange of ideas. Peaceful protests, demonstrations, rallies, speeches, petitions and other forms of constitutionally guaranteed expression remain fully protected. The policy also explicitly preserves the right of students, faculty and staff to spontaneously assemble and engage in expressive activity in generally accessible outdoor areas without prior approval, ensuring that the university remains responsive to emerging events and issues.

What the policy and procedures do require is that activities follow reasonable, viewpoint-neutral TPM standards—such as managing noise levels near classrooms and offices, designating appropriate posting areas and ensuring that building access remains unobstructed. These are common expectations at universities nationwide. They are not designed to restrict speech, but to ensure that free expression and the core functions of the university can coexist.

Why These Updates Matter

As a former law professor who taught aspects of First Amendment law, I believe deeply that free speech and open intellectual debate are essential to our mission across all 10 糖心视频 campuses. Protecting these freedoms is one of my most important responsibilities as president.

Applying First Amendment principles in a real campus environment is complex and highly charged. Like all public universities, 糖心视频 must safeguard individuals’ constitutional rights while also ensuring that our campuses remain places where teaching, learning and research can occur without disruption.

TPM policies are the standard way public universities balance these responsibilities. They are—and must be—strictly viewpoint-neutral. They do not regulate what people say. Instead, they establish reasonable expectations for how, when and where expression can occur so that campuses remain safe, accessible and functional for everyone.

糖心视频 has had a TPM policy in place for decades, but the current version—last substantially updated more than 10 years ago—contains ambiguities that have at times led to inconsistent interpretation and enforcement. Ambiguity can undermine confidence that policies are being applied consistently and fairly, regardless of viewpoint. The proposed revisions are intended to address that risk by clarifying rights and responsibilities for all members of our community.

The input received from faculty, students, staff, unions, legal experts and other stakeholders throughout the consultation process helped strengthen the policy and procedures, making them more precise, transparent and workable.

I encourage everyone to review the materials available on the resource webpage and participate in the discussions that will take place throughout the fall semester. We welcome continued debate, scrutiny and engagement. These conversations embody the very academic freedom we are committed to protecting.

By working together to establish clear, fair and consistently applied standards, we can ensure that the University of Hawaiʻi remains a place where robust debate, free inquiry and transformative learning thrive for generations to come.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on June 5, 2026.

Aloha University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana,

I am pleased to share that the University of Hawaiʻi has officially welcomed three outstanding individuals to our senior leadership team following recent Board of Regents action and appointments. Each brings deep experience, a strong commitment to our mission and an exciting vision for helping move our 10-campus system forward.

Please join me in welcoming:

Vassilis Syrmos

Vassilis Syrmos, who was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents as the next chancellor of 糖心视频 Mānoa. A dedicated member of the 糖心视频 community for 35 years, Vassilis brings deep institutional knowledge and strong leadership experience as he leads our flagship campus into its next chapter.

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, who was appointed interim director of the System Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao and 糖心视频 Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office. Noe brings extensive experience in education, governance and community engagement and will help continue advancing our work as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

Brad Christ

Brad Christ, who officially assumed the role of vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Brad has played a key role in strengthening technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation efforts across 糖心视频 and will help guide the university’s continued modernization efforts. Read more.

I am thrilled to welcome Vassilis, Noe and Brad to our leadership team. I know each will help take our university to the next level in their respective areas and strengthen the important work happening across all 10 campuses.

Please join me in congratulating and warmly welcoming them to these important roles.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted a new scholarship for community college transfer students, reflected on the conclusion of the legislative session, provided an update on the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search and celebrated recent athletic successes, including a national championship, during her monthly report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR). The update was provided at the May 21 BOR meeting at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.

Among the highlights, Hensel announced the new Next Step Scholarship, which will provide eligible 糖心视频 Community College students up to $2,000 to continue their education at a 糖心视频 four-year campus. She also discussed key legislative measures affecting 糖心视频, including proposals involving tuition and fee reserves and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) funding for athletics.

Hensel shared that the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search remains on track, with a finalist expected to be named in June. She also outlined a new strategic budgeting process designed to better align future investments with 糖心视频 priorities and student success.

The report also included congratulations to more than 5,340 spring graduates across 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses, recognition of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 men鈥檚 volleyball team for winning the NCAA national championship and praise for 糖心视频 employees who helped raise more than $51,800 and collect 3,300 pounds of food during the 2026 Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign.

• 糖心视频 graduation ceremonies ()
• Next Step Scholarship ()
• Legislative session recap ()
• Name, Image and Likeness legislation ()
• Budget planning process ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search update ()
• Athletics recap ()
• 糖心视频 Kudos: Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign ()

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a coordinated effort to better align strategy and budgeting across the 10-campus system to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on April 16.

Hensel framed alignment as a core governance issue, emphasizing that strategic priorities must be consistently reflected in how resources are allocated in the budget, how campuses are evaluated and how leaders are reviewed.

A structured approach

Hensel highlighted challenges that are common in multi-campus systems, where individual campuses tend to operate separately. When alignment is weak, she said, strategic plans often sit on the shelf.

The result can be a system that underperforms despite strong individual efforts. Leadership, she noted, must regularly navigate tensions between aligning the 10 campuses while still allowing for individual campus missions to be pursued.

“We want an aligned system where we鈥檙e all moving in the same direction, but there are differentiated missions on each campus and specific priorities on each campus,” Hensel said. “We, as a group of 10 [campuses], have agreed on the major objectives that have let us have significant impact over time.”

To address those issues, the university is implementing a coordinated process centered on key areas:

• Strategic action plans: annual plans tied directly to system and campus priorities, with defined outcomes, teams and resources.
• Budget transparency: a clearer, multi-year budgeting process aligned with strategic goals rather than historical funding patterns.
• Incentives: performance-based funding and stipends to encourage innovation, collaboration and student success.
• Accountability: a standardized set of performance metrics and regular campus reviews to track progress and inform leadership evaluations.

The system also plans to expand leadership evaluations for officers, chancellors and administrators, including potential 360-degree reviews, and increase transparency through regular performance reporting.

Continuous improvement

Hensel concluded by emphasizing that alignment is not a one-time effort but an ongoing cycle of planning, measurement and adjustment.

“In order to move from a very decentralized approach to strategy across the 10 [campuses]; by setting alignment as a goal up front, it really enables the entire strategic plan to be executed,” she said.

The goal, she noted, is a more cohesive system that better serves students and the state.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board鈥檚 April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 people this year.

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in 糖心视频 Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 women鈥檚 water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves ()
• 糖心视频 Giving Day breaks record ()
• Rainbow Wahine water polo ()

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on March 24, 2026.

Aloha 糖心视频 ʻohana,

We know that the severe weather and flooding over the past two weeks impacted members of our 糖心视频 community in many different ways. Some of our students and employees are dealing with damage to homes, transportation challenges, lost belongings and other disruptions that make it difficult to focus on classes and work.

Please know that the university is committed to supporting members of our 糖心视频 ʻohana during this time.

Students experiencing challenges from these events are encouraged to reach out to their instructors and academic advisors as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances. Faculty and supervisors are asked to continue showing flexibility and understanding as students and employees manage recovery from storm-related impacts. Please monitor your hawaii.edu email account for campus specific information.

Employees experiencing storm-related hardship are encouraged to speak with their supervisors and their campus human resources office about available options and support resources.

Available Resources

Financial aid and basic needs support for students is available through campus-based emergency assistance programs and through the 糖心视频 Foundation, which works closely with the university to help provide support for students and employees facing unexpected hardship. Information about available assistance can be found here:

• Financial Aid
• Basic Needs Resources

Anyone experiencing stress or emotional strain related to the storm impacts is encouraged to reach out to available counseling and support resources:

• Student mental health resources
• 糖心视频 Employee Assistance Program

As recovery efforts continue across the state, please continue monitoring your hawaii.edu email and campus communications channels for updates and additional support opportunities.

Mahalo to everyone across our 10 campuses who continue to show care and flexibility for one another during this time.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) on the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search and progress on the eBanner student information system transition in her monthly report during the board鈥檚 March 19 meeting.

Hensel delivered her report virtually from Portland, Oregon, where the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Rainbow Warriors men鈥檚 basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Hensel also recognized a $1.2-million NASA-funded research project led by 糖心视频 Hilo focused on coastal resilience, as well as 糖心视频 Maui College鈥檚 Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 (small structures) program, which is supporting wildfire recovery efforts while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search ()
• eBanner update ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 basketball, Go 驶Bows! ()
• 糖心视频 ROTC victory ()
• 糖心视频 Hilo NASA research project ()
• 糖心视频 Maui Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 (small structures) program ()

The University of Hawaiʻi has officially launched a national search to select the next chancellor of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, re-establishing the position to ensure dedicated executive leadership for the flagship campus of the 糖心视频 10-campus system, the state鈥檚 only public higher education system.

Currently, the 糖心视频 president also holds 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor responsibilities, while academic affairs, research, enrollment management and student affairs are led by the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 provost. Splitting the roles was discussed by the Board of Regents during the 2024 presidential search. 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 is the only 糖心视频 campus without a dedicated chancellor. While this hybrid structure has provided continuity, it does not offer 惭腻苍辞补 the same level of focused executive representation and advocacy as the other 糖心视频 campuses.

In August 2025, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) released a report evaluating the 糖心视频 System Structure that recommended separating the two positions. The Board of Regents subsequently formed a permitted interaction group to study the issue and, in December, voted to accept the recommendation and re-establish the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor position.

“We initially anticipated launching a fall 2026 search. However, it has become clear that moving forward now is in the best interests of both 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the 10-campus system—a decision unanimously supported by the 惭腻苍辞补 Faculty Senate,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel in a February 25, 2026 email to the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus (below). “Not only is this a critically important leadership position, but the challenging federal landscape, reorganization conversations and changes in AI and other technology make clear this is an inflection moment for the campus and the system.”

Hensel said the search will be inclusive, transparent and engaged and announced that David Karl, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, and former 糖心视频 regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the search committee.

Next steps

Each step in the search will be communicated widely as they occur and include:

• Formation of a representative search advisory committee
• Open nomination and application period (approximately one month)
• Campus visits by finalists, including open forums and stakeholder meetings, before the end of the spring semester
• Committee recommendation of finalists to the 糖心视频 president
• 糖心视频 president recommendation of the selected candidate to the Board of Regents for consideration and approval
• Anticipated start date: fall 2026

Chancellor responsibilities

The chancellor will serve as the chief executive officer of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, reporting to the 糖心视频 president and serving on the president鈥檚 senior leadership team. The chancellor will oversee a budget exceeding $800 million and more than 5,000 employees and will provide strategic leadership across academic affairs, research, student success, enrollment and administrative operations in collaboration with the provost and executive team.

The chancellor is also expected to advance 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 mission as Hawaiʻi鈥檚 flagship research university while upholding its responsibility to the Native Hawaiian community, language and culture, and strengthening its connections across Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and Asia.

For more information, .

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Founded in 1907, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 is a globally recognized center of learning and research with a kuleana to serve the people and places of Hawaiʻi and its neighbors across the Pacific and Asia. The university cultivates creative and innovative leaders who m膩lama people, places and ways of knowing to sustain and transform Hawaiʻi and the world. As a Land-, Sea-, Space- and Sun-Grant university, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 serves more than 20,000 students across 14 colleges and schools, offering 97 bachelor鈥檚, 86 master鈥檚 and 56 doctoral degree programs.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) institution and is internationally recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 top research universities, with research and development awards totaling $570 million in fiscal year 2024–25. The campus maintains particular strengths in ocean and earth sciences, astronomy and Asia-Pacific studies and plays a central role in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic development, civic engagement and community outreach through its commitment to teaching, scholarship and service.

糖心视频 President Hensel’s message to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 on February 25, 2026.

Aloha 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 students, faculty, staff and administrators.

I am pleased to announce that we have started an immediate search to select the next Chancellor of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, with the goal of naming a new leader by summer 2026.

Currently, I have responsibilities both as the System President and the 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor. During the search for my position in 2024, the Board of Regents raised the possibility of splitting these roles. 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 is currently the only 糖心视频 campus without an exclusive chancellor. While the current hybrid structure has helped maintain continuity, it does not provide 惭腻苍辞补 with the same level of focused executive representation and advocacy.

In August 2025, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) released a report evaluating the University of Hawaiʻi System structure. It recommended that 糖心视频 split the two positions, and the Board of Regents formed a permitted interaction group to study the issue. This past December, the Board of Regents voted to accept the recommendation and re-establish the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor position.

We initially anticipated launching a fall 2026 search. However, it has become clear that moving forward now is in the best interests of both 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the 10-campus system — a decision unanimously supported by the 惭腻苍辞补 Faculty Senate. Not only is this a critically important leadership position, but the challenging federal landscape, reorganization conversations, and changes in AI and other technology make clear this is an inflection moment for the campus and the system. Moreover, because the new chancellor should be involved in several leadership searches now pending across 惭腻苍辞补, further delay creates a ripple effect on stability.

Search approach and timeline

A national search is now underway that will be inclusive, transparent and engaged. I am very pleased to announce that David Karl, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, and former 糖心视频 regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the search committee.

Each step in the search will be communicated widely as they occur and include:

Next steps:

• Formation of a representative search advisory committee that includes shared governance groups
• Open nomination and application period (one month)
• Campus visits by finalists, including open forums and stakeholder meetings, before the end of the spring semester
• Committee recommendation of finalists to the 糖心视频 president
• 糖心视频 president recommendation of the selected candidate to the Board of Regents for consideration and approval

The goal is to identify and appoint the next 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor with a start date as early as July 2026.

I am excited about these next steps and look forward to engaging with you throughout the process. Mahalo for your continued commitment to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the University of Hawaiʻi.

With aloha,

Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) on the transition to the upgraded eBanner student information system for 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses and the latest Direct2糖心视频 enrollment numbers during her monthly BOR report at the board鈥檚 February 19 meeting at the 糖心视频 Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Hensel also highlighted the start of an exploratory effort to strengthen coordination between the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the 糖心视频 Cancer Center and the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) certificate at 糖心视频 Hilo.

• eBanner update ()
• Direct2糖心视频 update ()
• JABSOM/Cancer Center initiative ()
• School of Travel Industry Management鈥檚 60th anniversary ()
• 糖心视频 Hilo AI certificate ()
• 糖心视频 Hilo athletics, Go Vulcans! ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 athletics, Go 驶Bows! ()

University of Hawaiʻi alumni and friends braved the winter weather to gather in New York City to meet 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and celebrate Hawaiʻi ties in January at the first (糖心视频FAR) Pau Hana of 2026.

The gathering of about 50 was part of 糖心视频FAR鈥檚 ongoing effort to strengthen bonds between 糖心视频 alumni and the university. Hensel spoke about the challenges facing the 糖心视频 system, achievements across campuses, and the powerful role alumni play in supporting students.

“The accomplishments of our alumni demonstrate the power of a 糖心视频 education,” Hensel said. “When alumni share their stories, support our students, and champion the value of higher education, they amplify our mission in ways no one else can.”

Her message struck a chord with those in the room, inspiring attendees to reflect on how their 糖心视频 experiences continue to impact their lives.

“Staying connected to the 糖心视频 ʻohana in New York means carrying Hawaiʻi with me鈥攊ts values, its community and its spirit鈥攏o matter how far I roam,” said 2006 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 graduate Colonel Rance Lee. “President Hensel鈥檚 speech reminded me that our shared roots aren鈥檛 just memories; they鈥檙e a living bond that continues to guide and unite us.”

Staying connected

The event took place at Arader Galleries, a renowned art and rare book gallery on Madison Avenue. The evening was lively and warm, with alumni from a wide range of industries filling the gallery with conversation and photo-worthy moments.

“As a proud 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 alumni, connecting with fellow alumni in New York always feels grounding. It brings us back to our time in Hawaiʻi, reminds us to slow down, stay present and appreciate the people around us, while living in NYC,” said 2011 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 graduate Travont茅 Taylor.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) on the Inaugural President鈥檚 10-Campus Address, the start of the 2026 Legislative session and the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search during her President鈥檚 Report at the board鈥檚 first meeting of 2026 held at Windward Community College on Thursday, January 15.

Hensel also highlighted the launch of a strategic exploration of a unified vision for 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots, now available across all 糖心视频 campuses; and increase in applications attributed to the Direct2糖心视频 initiative, which aims to give Hawaiʻi public high school students a more seamless transition from high school to higher education.

• Inaugural 10-campus Address ()
• 2026 Legislative season underway ()
• Federal update ()
• New student information system ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search ()
• Leeward CC/糖心视频 West Oʻahu exploration ()
• AI chatbots success ()
• Direct2糖心视频 update ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 recognition ()

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel delivered her inaugural systemwide address on January 14, outlining key accomplishments from 2025, addressing challenges facing higher education and setting priorities for the year ahead across 糖心视频鈥檚 10-campus system.

The livestreamed address marked the beginning of a new annual tradition intended to promote transparency, accountability and engagement with the 糖心视频 community. Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1, 2025, framed the address as an opportunity to reflect on progress while charting a clear path forward for the university.

“Today is really a down payment on our commitment to transparency,” Hensel said. “We’ve been trying to do a lot of town halls and conversations about what’s going on in a very difficult time when it’s not so easy to talk about what’s happening. This is our attempt to make sure you know what we’re doing鈥攖hat we’re delivering the value that the state expects鈥攁nd also to identify where you can get involved to help us reach where we all want to go together.”

In her remarks, Hensel highlighted major developments from the past year and priorities going into 2026, including enrollment across the 10 campuses topping 51,000 in fall 2025, the highest in eight years; the launch of Direct2糖心视频, an initiative that streamlines admission to 糖心视频 for Hawaiʻi public high school seniors; advancing artificial intelligence across the 糖心视频 System; building an integrated workforce ecosystem; improving student success, including graduation and retention rates; record extramural funding in FY2025 amid increased uncertainty in 2026; capital improvement project requests; current landscape of collegiate athletics, including the impact of NIL; and 糖心视频鈥檚 financial outlook, including state appropriations, tuition and fees, grants and reserves.

She also acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the university, such as swiftly changing federal policies, and cuts to federal research grants and awards, as well as underscored the need for continued dialogue and systemwide alignment as 糖心视频 navigates a rapidly changing higher education landscape in Hawaiʻi and across the nation.

The address was livestreamed to ensure broad access for faculty, staff, students and community members across the state.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on January 12, 2026.

Aloha 糖心视频 ʻohana,

As a new semester and new years begins, our 10 campuses are once again filled with energy, purpose and possibility. This moment, when classrooms reopen, projects restart and goals come into focus, offers a chance to reset and remember why our work matters to our students, our communities and these islands.

For me, it always starts and ends with our students. Your wellbeing, your experience at 糖心视频 and your success beyond graduation guide our decisions and priorities. The world you are entering is changing rapidly, and our responsibility is to prepare you not just to navigate it, but to shape it.

None of this would be possible without our faculty, staff and administrators, those who teach, advise, mentor and support our students every day, and who make our 10-campus system work. The past year has brought a lot of change, some beyond our control and some of our own making, and I am deeply grateful for your openness, candor and commitment to continuous improvement. Your feedback, especially constructive feedback, ensures we stay on the right path.

Inaugural 10-campus system address

As I complete my first year as president, it is time for me to report back to all of you. I invite you to tune in Wednesday, January 14 at 5 p.m. to a livestream of my inaugural 10-Campus System Address, an annual event moving forward. I will share a recap of 2025, highlight successes and challenges and outline where we are headed in 2026. This is part of my commitment to transparency and accountability with my most important stakeholders: all of you. The livestream information will be sent out later this week.

Looking ahead

As this semester unfolds, I encourage each of us to step outside our comfort zones. For students, that may mean joining a club, attending a campus event for the first time or trying something new. For faculty and staff, it may mean exploring new approaches, building partnerships or participating in initiatives that move our system forward. Progress is built on curiosity, connection and shared purpose.

Here鈥檚 to a semester grounded in curiosity, care and collective progress.

With aloha,
Wendy F. Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1, 2025, will deliver her inaugural systemwide address, providing an overview of how 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses are progressing amid significant changes in higher education in Hawaiʻi and nationwide. The event marks the beginning of what will be an annual tradition.

The livestreamed address will highlight key accomplishments from 2025, identify challenges facing the university, and outline goals and priorities for the year ahead, while promoting transparency and deeper engagement with the 糖心视频 community.

“My intention with this address is to foster transparency, accountability and deeper community engagement across our 糖心视频 system. It鈥檚 important that you know how this administration is working on your behalf and how you can engage in creating a stronger university,” Hensel said in a systemwide email on January 8.

The address will take place on January 14, at 5 p.m. A recording will be posted afterward for those unable to watch live.

Hensel also emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue as 糖心视频 navigates a pivotal moment for higher education in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on December 19, 2025.

Aloha 糖心视频 students, faculty, staff and administrators,

Today, we received deeply disappointing news from Washington, D.C. that could have a significant impact on federal funding for programs that support Native Hawaiian and other minority-serving institutions.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that the citing a from the Department’s Office of Legal Counsel concluding such programs violate the U.S. Constitution. Among the programs specifically identified as affected are several that are vital to the University of Hawaiʻi and to our state, including:

• Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
• Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions
• Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program
• Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Our Office of General Counsel is reviewing the full legal opinion and will coordinate closely with the State Attorney General’s office. We will maintain close communication with the State and our Congressional delegation to assess steps forward. We are also continuing the work of evaluating the full scope of the impact on our campuses and programs and implementing contingency plans for the loss of funding.

We recognize that this news creates uncertainty and anxiety for the students, faculty and staff whose work and educational pathways are supported by these funds. We are actively assessing how best to support the people and programs affected as we navigate this evolving legal landscape.

We stand united in caring for each other and the future of our university as we weather this challenging moment as a community. While we cannot control the forces against us, we can adjust our own course, remain grounded in our values and move forward together with purpose and resolve. We will navigate this challenge as one university system, united across our 10 campuses.

As we learn more, we will share updates at key points and provide additional information as soon as there is clarity on how these actions will be implemented.

With aloha,
Wendy F. Hensel
糖心视频 President

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .