Students at the University of Hawaiʻi at 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 (CoBE) are earning their degrees from one of the top business schools in the world.

The college was awarded extended accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a distinction held by only 6% of business schools around the world.

The recognition means students can expect a world-class education backed by global standards. CoBE offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees in accounting and general business, with concentrations in finance, marketing, management, healthcare management, applied economics and professional studies.

“At a time when so many things are uncertain, it is reassuring to know that our students, faculty and staff have a solid foundation to work from,” said CoBE Director Todd Inouye. “Now our attention can be directed from building foundations to also growing our societal impact, enrollment and retention, including new initiatives at CoBE.”

High-quality education

东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 CoBE was first accredited in 2005 and remains one of only two AACSB-accredited business schools in Hawaiʻi. The rigorous AACSB standards recognize schools that demonstrate high-quality teaching, innovation and continuous improvement.

“Thinking about how far we have come over the past three years makes me extremely proud to be a member of this college and university community,” said Inouye.

Projects promoting sustainability, resilience and innovation in Hawaiʻi garnered multiple professional awards for the (东精影业CDC) landscape architecture team. Led by Professor Judith Stilgenbauer, the two award-winning projects—Waikīkī Resilience and SLR Adaptation Project (WRAP) and ʻAʻala Park—showcase innovative approaches to sustainable landscape architecture while addressing community needs.

“These professional design awards give our work broader exposure beyond the academy and help get our programs鈥� names out,” Stilgenbauer said. “They are a celebration of faculty, staff, and student success.”

Waikīkī Resilience and SLR Adaptation Project (WRAP)

, developed in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and project partners from 东精影业 Sea Grant, earned a 2024 Merit Award in Analysis and Planning from the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The project focuses on long-term climate resilience in urban environments by integrating community input with design and visualization of sea-level rise adaptation strategies, including nature-based solutions.

“WRAP demonstrates the power of applied design research to address critical ecological challenges,” said Stilgenbauer. “This work directly supports UH鈥檚 mission to serve the people and places of Hawaiʻi.”

ʻAʻala Park

东精影业CDC and The Trust for Public Land鈥檚 project earned two awards, including a 2024 Honor Award in Communication by the Hawaiʻi Chapter of ASLA, and the 2024 Community-Based Planning Award by the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Planning Association. Through collaboration with local residents, the project reimagined this historic park as a vibrant and inclusive public space. The design prioritized connectivity and the needs of surrounding residents while emphasizing the community鈥檚 vision.

“ʻAʻala Park reflects how sustainability is not just about the environment but also about fostering social resilience,” said Stilgenbauer. “It exemplifies how landscape architecture can connect people and place.”

The University of Hawaiʻi (JABSOM) remains one of the top primary care institutions as U.S. News & World Report placed .

There were 15 schools placed in the elite Tier 1 category, marking the fifth time in seven years that JABSOM has made the top 25. Consistently landing in the top quartile of 130 ranked schools from 194 allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. solidifies JABSOM‘s place as a premier destination for physicians to learn and train.

“Since JABSOM‘s foundation in 1965, we have worked very hard to train physicians who will meet the needs of Hawaiʻi,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Our state needs doctors who practice in numerous different specialties, including the primary care specialties of family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The core values of primary care鈥攊ncluding holistic, patient- and family-centered, and culturally humble approaches鈥攁re important components of our curriculum throughout our medical student’s journey, and result in better care given by all physicians. We are proud that our efforts are producing more physicians interested in these specialties.”

On the research side, JABSOM has been elevated to a Tier 2 ranking alongside Boston University, Tufts University and USC‘s Keck School of Medicine. JABSOM‘s research funding continues to bring in millions of dollars from the National Institutes of Health, which significantly contributes to the overall health of Hawaiʻi. JABSOM expects to see the most growth in the last five years in fiscal year 2024, and there are indications that the trend will continue into next year. Twenty-one million dollars have been awarded in grants and contracts for research in 2024.

“The John A. Burns School of Medicine remains the leader of research in the Pacific,” said Mariana Gerschenson, associate dean for research at JABSOM. “This is due to our faculty, staff and student research endeavors. Eighty-one percent of our medical students are involved in research projects during medical school. JABSOM is focused on issues that impact our population and these awards allow us to make breakthroughs in diseases associated with health disparities, aging, reproductive biology, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and infectious diseases.”

More than half of JABSOM‘s class of 2024 entered primary care specialties this year. Sixteen of the 77 graduates entered pediatrics, marking the highest number of pediatric residents coming from JABSOM in the last 15 years.

For more, .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has been named one of the “” by The Princeton Review. The rankings were published on July 16, with the 东精影业 law school appearing in three other categories.

The 东精影业 law school was ranked No. 4 for most chosen by older students, No. 5 for most diverse faculty and No. 6 for best state and local clerkships. These rankings reflect the school’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity and practical training for its students.

“The rankings of our law school in the Princeton Review reflect foundational components of our values and mission,” said Nicholas Mirkay, associate dean for Academic Affairs and 东精影业 law professor. “We are a multicultural and diverse community striving to prepare students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law.”

The Princeton Review weighs more than 60 data points in making selections for the Best Law Schools lists. The selections took into account data from surveys of administrators at 168 law schools as well as surveys over the past three academic years of 18,400 enrolled law students.

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The University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center has been named the Redevelopment of the Year in the 2024 Impact Awards Hawaiʻi program by CoStar Group.

The CoStar Impact Awards are judged based on a number of factors including innovation, challenges overcome, and whether the redevelopment is a catalyst for economic activity or vibrancy in the market.

Judges鈥� comments about the RISE Center included:

• “This project sets a new standard for PPP (public-private) partnerships and repurposing a historic building into an institutional 21st century building.” (Yifan Chen, assistant professor of finance and real estate, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补)
• “I chose this project for the efforts it went through to restore this historic site while also creating a place that benefits the surrounding community.” (Evan Ketter, leasing manager, MW Commercial Realty, Inc.)
• “This large redevelopment will turn out some very well-educated business students for our community.” (Mark Bratton, senior vice president, Colliers International)

“The Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center was self-funded with the private funds that the raised through bond issuance and no taxpayer funds, and was the foundation鈥檚 first development project, which we could not have done without our partners,” said John Han, 东精影业 Foundation COO and CFO. “We are honored and grateful that CoStar is recognizing the RISE Center with this award.”

The $70 million live-learn-work Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center opened to the first 东精影业 student residents in August 2023. It was the first new 东精影业 student housing facility in 15 years, successfully repurposing the landmark 1930s Charles Atherton House building into a state-of-the-art modern institutional facility flanked by two new six-story student residential wings. The first-of-its-kind entrepreneurship-and-innovation center for Hawaiʻi is located on the corner of Metcalf Street and University Avenue at the flagship 东精影业 M膩noa campus.

Read more about the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center

In 2019, 东精影业, 东精影业 Foundation and Hunt Companies Hawaiʻi entered into a public-private partnership (P3) to design, build and finance RISE Center—the first P3 for the university.

“To receive a national award for RISE Center is reflective of not only the vision of the University and the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, but also the hard work of the many people that had a hand in opening up this project on time,” said project lead Mike Lam, senior vice president of Hunt Companies Hawaiʻi. “On behalf of Hunt, our project partners and the 东精影业 community, we thank CoStar Group for this honor.”

Founded in 1949 as the College of Business Administration, the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa has grown to become one of the world鈥檚 premier business schools. The college prides itself on its multicultural learning environment that promotes real world experiences through research projects, internships and study abroad opportunities. Its goal is to prepare students to succeed in today鈥檚 competitive global business environment.

“I’m most proud of the success of our alumni—that’s number one. Number two, the success of our faculty,” Shidler College of Business Dean Vance Roley said. “Our alumni have had a great impact in the community here in Hawaiʻi. And the single biggest event for the college in the last 75 years, I believe, has been Jay Shider鈥檚 transformative gifts. That has just changed the college forever.”

The college was named in 2006 after alumnus Jay H. Shidler, founder and managing partner of The Shidler Group. Since his initial gift of $25 million in 2006, Shidler has given approximately $238 million to the college in cash, land leases and in-kind donations. His contributions represent both the largest individual donation in the university鈥檚 110-year history, and is the second-largest known gift to any U.S. business school at a public university.

“Since I graduated from here in 1968, I think the role it has played in the community, which is important, has grown,” Shidler said. “That’s a testament to the legislature’s valuing higher education, the impact that higher education has on its students and the impact students have on the economy of the state.”

More than 40,000 students have graduated from the Shidler College of Business, and many have gone into prominent roles in the business community here in Hawaiʻi, across the country and around the world. Some of the prominent members of the community include: Shidler, Chamber Commerce of Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara, L&L Drive-Inn and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants founder and CEO Eddie Flores, Jr., aio Chairman and CEO Duane Kurisu, and 东精影业 regent and Hawaii Dental Service President and CEO Diane Paloma.

RISE opens to students marking milestone in entrepreneurship, innovation at 东精影业, August 22, 2023

The Shidler College of Business is also home to the (PACE), which is running entrepreneurship and innovation programs at 东精影业, including the newly opened Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

“The thing that I’m most proud of at the Shidler school is the fact that we continue to evolve as the changing needs of the students, our community and basically the needs of the world, change,” said Susan Yamada, current PACE board chair, Shidler College alumna and former PACE executive director. “What we’re trying to do is prepare students for the 21st century workforce so they’re able to address these new realities in a way that previously, 75 years ago, it wasn’t even viable.”

Among the college highlights celebrated today:

• U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the college among the nation鈥檚 top 25 undergraduate programs for international business.
• The college is a pioneer in offering country-specific MBA programs such as the Full-time Global MBA with China and Japan tracks, and Vietnam Executive MBA.
• In 2019, the Shidler College of Business joined forces with the School of Travel Industry Management, helping to strengthen and expand relationships with the tourism industry, community, alumni and students.
• Each year, approximately 500 graduate and undergraduate students are placed in internships throughout Hawaiʻi, the continental U.S. and abroad.
• More than $1 million in merit-based scholarships are awarded annually.
• The college has the only graduate program in Hawaiʻi and Vietnam accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

“What I appreciate the most about the courses here at Shidler is how they dive into the industry here in Hawaiʻi—preparing me to be not only a leader within the industry, but a leader within the industry at home,” Paʻana Hanaike, 东精影业 M膩noa travel industry management senior and King Kekaulike High School alumna.

The Shidler College of Business will celebrate its 75th anniversary through its series of annual events, starting off with the (March 7), (April 10) and Business Night (May 2). For a complete list of events and more information on the 75th anniversary, .

To donate to the Shidler College Advancement Fund, . With every donation to the fund commemorating the college鈥檚 diamond anniversary, supporters contribute a component to the newly launched Legacy Lei campaign, symbolizing the resilience and unity of Shidler College鈥檚 alumni and friends network. Supporters leave their mark by adding their name and a special message to each commemorative piece, weaving a maile lei.

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has again received high marks for diversity.

In preLaw 尘补驳补锄颈苍别鈥檚 , Richardson was ranked as No. 9 in the nation for best schools for Asian students and No. 26 for Hispanic students.

“Our school prides itself in nurturing, supporting and teaching the next generation of leaders,” said 东精影业 law school Dean Camille Nelson. “Our high rankings in diversity are an example of the opportunities that our Richardson students have to learn in an inclusive environment where they are empowered to excel and give back to their community.”

preLaw magazine highlighted law schools based on how well they support and provide a strong environment for students. In its analysis, the magazine considered factors, including each school鈥檚 percentage of minority students and professors, as well as the diversity services offered.

The 东精影业 law school has consistently ranked among the top law schools for diversity and other programs. Past rankings include:

• No. 2 for most diverse faculty, Princeton Review 2023
• No. 4 for most chosen by older students, Princeton Review 2023
• A rating as one of the top law schools for environmental law, preLaw magazine 2023
• No. 8 for best schools for state and local clerkships, Princeton Review 2023
• No. 24 for part-time law programs, U.S. News and World Report 2023

preLaw 尘补驳补锄颈苍别鈥檚 winter 2024 issue also highlighted Richardson鈥檚 and the school鈥檚 , which launched fall 2023.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 law school earned ranking among the nation鈥檚 top programs, according to the U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 (USNWR) updated , released on May 10.

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 earned its high marks in environmental law (No. 26) and part-time law programs (No. 24).

“We are proud to have continued our investment in student success. Over the last few years, we have increased our financial aid and scholarships and invested considerable resources in our students鈥� bar pass and licensure success,” William S. Richardson School of Law Dean Camille Nelson said. “We also continue to build strong relationships with the practicing bar and bench to enhance professional opportunities and outcomes for our students.”

Law rankings:

• Overall 135 out of 196
• Environmental law No. 26
• International law No. 50
• Part-time law No. 24
• Legal writing No. 32
• Contracts-commercial No. 87

The results for the law and medical schools were delayed from the initial release of graduate school programs on April 24 after many universities challenged the rankings, including their significant changes to the methodology and results.

The USNWR ranks graduate schools based on a variety of factors, including bar exam pass rates, employment rates, acceptance rates, standardized test scores, grade-point averages of incoming students, and peer assessment scores.

Richardson law school has also gained high marks for , , and its diverse faculty and student body and more.

The school also recently announced the , an online juris doctor program that is accepting its first cohort of students for the fall.

Solidifying the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM) as one of the top institutions for primary care, the U.S. News & World Report has placed JABSOM 16th in the nation in its 2023鈥檚 “Best Medical Schools” rankings.

This is the fourth time in six years that JABSOM has made the top 25. Consistently landing in the top quartile of 130 ranked schools from 194 allopathic (conventional) and osteopathic (alternative) medical schools in the U.S. puts JABSOM in rarified air.

“Since JABSOM鈥檚 foundation in 1965, we have worked very hard to create physicians who will meet the needs of Hawaiʻi. Certainly, our primary care physician faculty members, meaning those who practice in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and for this (USNWR definition,) geriatrics, work throughout the four years of medical school to ensure that all of our students are exposed to the values of primary care that emphasize the connection with patients, their families and the community and the need for better coordination of care,” said Interim Dean Lee Buenconsejo-Lum.

JABSOM鈥檚 Research department brings in millions of dollars in funding from the National Institutes of Health, which significantly contributes to the overall health of Hawaiʻi.

“The John A. Burns School of Medicine continues to remain the leader of research in the Pacific, focusing on issues that impact our population,” said Mariana Gerschenson, associate dean for research. “Health disparities, aging, diabetes and innovations in tropical medicine continue to be at the forefront of JABSOM research.”

Securing this spot in the U.S. News and World Report rankings increases JABSOM鈥檚 visibility nationwide, making Hawaiʻi one of the best places to train to become a physician. JABSOM officials have seen the continued visibility in the rankings translate to a more competitive applicant pool. More than 2,200 applicants have been vying for 77 spots in recent years. Attracting the best of the best means the physicians trained here are more inclined to serve the people of Hawaiʻi upon completing residency. The latest Association of American Medical Collegesdata reflects that trend. Compared to the national average, 80% of JABSOM graduates serve in primary care, up from 75% in 2022.

“The rankings help attract the type of medical school applicant committed to caring for their patients holistically, which is the mission of primary care. Even if a student decides not to go into a primary care specialty, we still train them to have that holistic approach and advocacy for health system improvements that ultimately benefits the patient and our populations,” Buenconsejo-Lum said.

Medical schools鈥� rankings are determined by peer institutions and a few national primary care and research metrics.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa earned an A rating as one of the nation鈥檚 top law schools for environmental law in the of preLaw magazine. The 东精影业 law school was also ranked among top law schools for practical training and online education in the latest issue.

The article featured the (ELP鈥檚) three-day service-learning field trip to the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge in fall 2022 which included students, alumni and faculty.

“Part of the law school鈥檚 mission is to lead in environmental law,” said ELP Co-Director Richard Wallsgrove. “We are proud to carry on that tradition of excellence by stoking the passion and hard work of our students in the classroom, in the field and in the Environmental Law Clinic.”

Earlier this month, Professor Denise Antolini鈥檚 wildlife class, along with the ELP and more than 25 nonprofit organizations and agencies, attended an event, “Pilina Kanaloa: Ocean Awareness and Action Day.” The group hosted an educational booth, engaged with the Ocean Task Force and spoke to legislative leaders at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.

Practical training

The 东精影业 law school earned a B+ rating as one of the nation鈥檚 top law schools for practical training.

This year鈥檚 “Best Schools for Practical Training” ranks a total of 68 of the nation鈥檚 top law schools known for producing practice-ready attorneys. Ranking methodology factors in moot court participation, simulation courses, unique practical training offerings and pro bono hours, with the most weight given to clinics and externships.

“For its size, Richardson provides a robust experiential program, which includes its eleven ‘live client’ clinics and seven simulation skills courses,” said Co-Director of the Clinical Law Program and Professor Calvin Pang. “In addition, students may hone their lawyering skills in the school鈥檚 longstanding pro bono program and through participation on one of Richardson鈥檚 many moot court teams.”

The 东精影业 law school鈥檚 externship program also provides the opportunity each semester for 25–30 students to work under the guidance and mentorship of supervising attorneys and judges in the community.

Online, hybrid programs

Reflecting on the high demand for online and hybrid programs in recent years, preLaw also recognized the 东精影业 law school among the top 25 law schools “leading the way to deliver the best in online education.” The legal profession is catching up with other disciplines and providing an online education that is comparable to those offered in a traditional, in-person experience.

The fast-paced growth of online programs is helping to increase access to legal education for students who may typically be underserved, and those with professional and family responsibilities; students are drawn to the flexibility and affordability of online and hybrid programs.

Speaking of the new , Dean Camille Nelson said, “[t]his program recognizes our global connectedness and more flexibly supports prospective law students in obtaining a Richardson law degree without having to relocate, leave their families, or cease their employment elsewhere. This next-generation part-time program broadens access to legal education, promotes greater diversity in the bar and bench and expands educational opportunities in the state and region while remaining committed to the culture and community that make the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law a special place unlike any other.”