The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa was honored with the Community Connector Award at the 2025 EdSights PERSIST Summit in October. The award recognized 东精影业 M膩noa’s commitment to student success and innovation in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and student voice data while fostering a culture of change and innovation, as well as the 东精影业 System鈥檚 continuing efforts to support students.

“We鈥檙e proud that this recognition highlights not just technology, but transformation,” said Kap膩 Oliveira, 东精影业 M膩noa interim vice provost for student success. “The EdSights partnership empowers us to use AI tools to understand and support students in real time, helping us create a more connected, responsive and student-centered campus.”

The 东精影业 System has a five-year contract with EdSights to provide each campus with a proactive AI chatbot designed to check in with students, connect them to resources and provide valuable insights into student needs.

“Working closely with Kim [Siegenthaler, senior advisor to the 东精影业 president], Dr. Kap膩 Oliveira and Wiliama Sanchez [director of student conduct and concern] has been nothing short of rewarding for our team,” said Carolina Recchi, EdSights founder and CEO, in a congratulatory message to 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “Your team鈥檚 leadership truly exemplifies what鈥檚 possible when institutions put students at the center of their strategy,” said Recchi. “We鈥檙e proud to partner with The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa and now with the entire system and to continue supporting your important work.”

Support for all 10 东精影业 campuses

As of fall 2025, all 10 东精影业 campuses feature chatbots to assist both students and human support staff.

东精影业 M膩noa鈥檚 ‘Bow, introduced in 2023, was the first 东精影业 AI chatbot buddy to assist students 24/7 by answering questions, connecting them to campus resources and proactively alerting human staff if it detects the student requires additional support.

In August 2025, 东精影业 Hilo (Lehua), Honolulu Community College (Niu), Kapiʻolani CC (Manu) and 东精影业 Maui College (Ulu) launched their chatbots. 东精影业 West Oʻahu (Pueo), Leeward CC (Ulu), Windward CC (Moa), Hawaiʻi CC (ʻIolana) and Kauaʻi CC followed during the semester with their chatbots.

Since ‘Bow launched at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补:

• 51% of undergraduate students actively engage with ‘Bow.
• He has received more than 150,000 texts, with 31% of questions around academics.
• 43 proactive retention campaigns connecting 8,687 students to specific 东精影业 M膩noa resources during the 2024–25 academic year.
• ‘Bow驶s human helpers connected with 1,229 students for additional staff support.

“Bringing chatbots to all 10 of our campuses marks a major milestone in our commitment to deliver a common standard of care for every 东精影业 student,” said Siegenthaler. “Since 东精影业 M膩noa introduced ‘Bow in 2023, we鈥檝e seen how powerful these tools can be. Now, with chatbots at every campus, we are extending that same level of proactive, compassionate support systemwide. This initiative strengthens not only our student success efforts, but also the ability of our staff to focus on the deeper, relationship-based work that truly transforms students鈥� lives.”

EdSights is an education technology company that centers student voice, driving innovation and success for all learners. The annual EdSights PERSIST Summit brings together partner institutions to discuss the latest trends in student success, and how each organization approaches student-centered higher education.

The University of Hawaiʻi Community College System and 东精影业 Maui College have earned a significant collection of awards from Region 6 of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), in recognition of outstanding work in branding and community engagement.

The 东精影业 Community Colleges received two awards for its “Native HI” video series, broadcast during the widely watched Merrie Monarch festival. Produced in partnership with Hyperspective Studios, the system office earned a gold Medallion Award for the paid television series featuring Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC and 东精影业 Maui College, and a silver Medallion Award for a video short series highlighting Kapiʻolani CC, Leeward CC and 东精影业 Maui College.

“These regional Medallion Awards affirm the outstanding quality of our marketing and public relations work across the 东精影业 Community College System,” said 东精影业 Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Della Teraoka. “The ‘Native HI’ video series is a powerful tool for showcasing the transformational journeys of Native Hawaiian students across our campuses and how higher education became a catalyst for hope, success and personal growth.”

Maui Gold

In further recognition of 东精影业 excellence, the in-house marketing and communications team at 东精影业 Maui College won gold and silver awards for their exceptional creativity and expertise.

The gold award was presented for the design of the college鈥檚 printed recruitment brochure, which was created to reflect the high quality and diverse offerings available at 东精影业 Maui College.

Chancellor Lui Hokoana said, “This award-winning brochure significantly supports our outreach, not just to degree-seeking students, but to every member of our community seeking learning opportunities and support.”

The silver award recognized a shirt design for strengthening the college鈥檚 brand through the powerful integration of sense of place. The design utilized the visual patterns from monument signs at the main campus, connecting the campus, its outreach centers on Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, and the 东精影业 System as a whole.

“Getting these awards is a huge honor, but the real credit goes to the amazing faculty, staff and leadership here at 东精影业 Maui College who make my job easy,” said Marc Antosch, who leads the design and marketing team. “Our main focus is to make sure everyone knows about the awesome opportunities we have right here on Maui and at our outreach centers.”

National competition ahead

NCMPR is the only organization of its kind dedicated exclusively to representing marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges across the nation. The organization鈥檚 2025 Paragon Awards will be announced in January.

In March, the 东精影业 Community Colleges marketing campaign highlighting exciting career and technical education programs received top national honors: a gold 2024 Paragon Award from the NCMPR for Best TV/Video Advertisement (Series).

The Human Studies Program (HSP) at the University of Hawaiʻi was again recognized by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP) as a “gold standard” research institution, meeting high standards of quality and protection for participants, and offering assurances of excellence to the Hawaiʻi research community.

On March 25, 东精影业 was awarded full reaccreditation by AAHRPP for a period of five years. Previously, 东精影业 received an initial three-year accreditation in 2017 followed by a reaccreditation 2020. In addition to strengthening protections for research participants, the accreditation helps build confidence in research through a commitment of promoting and adhering to high-quality standards and practices.

“This full reaccreditation by AAHRPP continues to show the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of research participants,” said Diana Blanco, director for the Office of Research Compliance. “We are very fortunate to have three dedicated 东精影业 Institutional Review Boards, consisting of community members and 东精影业 faculty/staff, who volunteered their time and expertise, as well as a highly experienced administrative team, led by Manager Kristin Bacon, to meet this challenge.”

AAHRPP has accredited organizations across the U.S. and around the world. All major U.S. independent institutional review boards have earned AAHRPP accreditation. In addition, more than 65% of U.S. medical colleges and 60% of research universities are either AAHRPP accredited or have begun the accreditation process.

The University of Hawaiʻi 10-campus system has been awarded a five-star rating and was recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 top 400 companies across 78 industries, according to Newsweek鈥檚 second annual ranking of America鈥檚 Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2024.

Five stars is the highest rating in the rankings that were based on a five-part evaluation with interviews and research from more than 29,000 LGBTQ+ employees who provided more than 205,000 company reviews. Desk research and analysis from social media were also conducted to assess the performance of the company鈥檚 commitment to and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.

The only other Hawaiʻi entity that made the list was L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, which received four stars. For the full list of rankings, visit

The is one of the best employers in Hawaiʻi, according to the list released August 22. The 10-campus 东精影业 System placed No. 5 overall, up four spots from the 2022 Forbes ranking. 东精影业 was also No. 3 among local employers in Hawaiʻi and No. 1 in the education sector.

“We take pride in providing an inclusive and supportive workplace environment where our employees can thrive,” 东精影业 President David Lassner said. “Our amazing faculty and staff provide students across our islands with transformational education opportunities as they engage in research and scholarship that advances Hawaiʻi and our planet.”

Forbes partnered with a market research firm to survey 70,000 workers at companies (minimum of 500 employees) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Participants were asked if they would recommend their employer to others, and to evaluate their employer based on working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development, company image and more. All surveys were anonymous.

东精影业 also made the list of Forbes 2023 America鈥檚 Best Employers for Women, ranking No. 17 in the U.S. education industry and No. 90 overall.

The 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi System is ranked No. 17 in the U.S. education industry and No. 90 overall on the list of , released July 25. According to Forbes, the ranking was created to help women identify companies that serve their needs and for companies to evaluate their own treatment of women in their workforce.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to an inclusive work environment for all of our employees and to recognizing excellence in leadership,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner. “东精影业 is bucking every national trend with seven women among the 13 officers of the university and seven of our 10 accredited campuses led by women.”

东精影业 ranked ahead of institutions such as the University of Michigan, Duke University and New York University, and just behind institutions such as Northwestern University and the University of Washington.

The list is primarily based on surveys of more than 60,000 workers with at least 1,000 employees. , according to Statista. Approximately 40,000 women were asked to rate their company in areas such as working environment, salary and employee diversity, and then whether they would recommend their company to a friend or family member. According to Forbes, their answers were compared to those of 20,000 men to assess any significant differences in workplace perception.

Women were also asked to rate their employer based on factors such as pay equity, parental-leave policies, leadership training programs for women, representation of women in upper management and employer response to incidents of discrimination. Additional research was conducted into the presence of women in executive management or board positions. The 400 companies with the highest scores made the list.

东精影业 also made the list of by Forbes, ranking No. 9 in Hawaiʻi and No. 1 in the education sector.

—By Marc Arakaki

The overwhelming majority of alumni from the , and say their degrees were worth the investment and that 东精影业 helped them achieve their goals. That鈥檚 according to a survey by the , a non-profit organization focused on post-secondary education success.

Strada surveyed 1,112 alumni who graduated with a bachelor驶s degree from one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 public universities in the past 20 years. The key findings include:

• 74%—东精影业 education was worth the cost (national average: 65%)
• 76%—东精影业 helped achieve their goals (national average: 72%)
• 79%—东精影业 helped prepare for their career (national average: 75%)
• 78%—东精影业 prepared them for a better quality of life (national average: 75%)

Complete results of the Strada Hawaiʻi survey data (PDF)and national survey data (PDF)are available online.

“These objective survey results reaffirm what I hear throughout the community from our alumni, that 东精影业 played a key role in their personal success and that they value their time at 东精影业,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner. “It is clear that we are on the right track as we continue to improve the student experience at 东精影业 and meet the needs of our state.”

In addition to the survey findings, a (PDF) (东精影业ERO) found that the rate of return on investment for a 东精影业 degree is about 11%. 东精影业 graduates earn between $300,000 to $2.9 million more in lifetime earnings, compared to high school graduates, depending on the type of degree earned (associate, bachelor, post graduate).

In order to help shape 东精影业鈥檚 new strategic plan, the Strada survey also asked alumni to state what they think 东精影业驶s number one priority should be over the next six years. The top four recommendations were:

1. Prepare more Hawaiʻi residents to fill the jobs Hawaiʻi needs (40%)
2. Seeding new economic sectors (23%)
3. Engaging more Hawaiʻi residents in post-secondary education and training (17%)
4. Strengthening 东精影业 research enterprise as a major economic and intellectual driver (13%)

“Mahalo to Strada for inviting us to participate in this survey, which provides important and useful data,” said Lassner. “Strada has been an amazing partner over the past years and this is yet another example of how they are helping us advance post-secondary student success in Hawaiʻi.”

The survey data is one of the many sources of broad input being used to develop the new 东精影业 Strategic Plan 2023–2029. The university is asking for feedback on the first draft of the plan, specifically on the plan鈥檚 four imperatives. Comments can be submitted directly through the web pages below:

• Successful Students for a Better Future
• Meet Hawaiʻi Workforce Needs of Today and Tomorrow
• Embrace Kuleana to Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi
• Diversify Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Economy through 东精影业 Innovation and Research

Other data and information being used to develop the plan include results of surveys of the general public and 东精影业 students, faculty and staff; virtual town hall meetings; the 东精影业 Third Decade Report (PDF); the and 东精影业 post-pandemic plans.

The is ranked as the by WalletHub. The 东精影业 community college system consists of seven community colleges statewide—Hawaiʻi CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, 东精影业 Maui College and Windward CC.

The personal finance website said the ranking was based on an analysis of the , a sample of 677 institutions and 19 key metrics including tuition cost, transfer rates, student loan defaults and the presence of free community college education.

Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico and Washington ranked No. 1–4, respectively out of the 41 states ranked. Nine state do not have community college systems.

Four-year schools cost three times as much as community colleges, according to WalletHub, which stated, “ Community colleges are an especially attractive option this year as many families deal with financial struggles caused by rising inflation and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

东精影业 offers the , which provides free in-state tuition for qualified 东精影业 Community College students with financial needs. Hawaiʻi Promise provides the “ last dollar” to cover direct education costs—such as tuition, fees and books—that are not met by other forms of financial aid.

• Read more about the Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship in 东精影业News.

For the 2020–21 academic year, 1,800 students from seven 东精影业 Community Colleges statewide benefitted from almost $3 million in Hawaiʻi Promise scholarships.

WalletHub has once again confirmed that Hawaiʻi college graduates are among the least likely to leave school with debt. And for those who do graduate with debt, they owe among the least in the country.

Among the states and territories, Hawaiʻi enjoys the 2nd lowest percentage of college graduates with any debt and is the 3rd lowest when it comes to student debt as a percentage share of income, according to a report by WalletHub. The personal-finance website released its report on August 25.

“A big reason we are among the very best when it comes to student debt is the affordability of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi public higher education system,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner. “Our regents and administration have committed to tough choices as we have frozen and even decreased tuition over these past challenging years. Coupled with our high quality education, 东精影业 provides an outstanding return on investment for our students and Hawaiʻi.”

According to , about two-thirds of Hawaiʻi high school graduates attend a University of Hawaiʻi campus.

The total outstanding college-loan balances in the United States was at at the end of the second quarter of 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Education. That鈥檚 an average of $37,000 for each of the 42.9 million borrowers.

It was not all positive news for Hawaiʻi. The state rose to first in the nation for the highest percentage of student loan balances past due or in default. This was likely due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy, among the hardest hit in the nation, which WalletHub noted has pushed Hawaiʻi to the third highest average unemployment rate for those aged 25 to 34. In addition, Hawaiʻi ranked last in state grants and student work opportunities.

The University of Hawaiʻi System was recognized as one of the best employers in Hawaiʻi in a new nationwide ranking by Forbes. In its “” list released on August 24, 东精影业 placed seventh overall and fifth among local employers in Hawaiʻi.

Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to survey 80,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 500 employees (an estimated 65 companies in Hawaiʻi and more than 40,000 nationally). Surveys were conducted on a rolling basis from October 2020 to June 2021. The final list ranks the 1,328 employers that received the most recommendations.

The rankings are based on a variety of criteria, including competitiveness of compensation, opportunities for advancement and others related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as safety of the work environment and openness to telecommuting. Respondents were also asked how likely they would be to recommend their employer to others and to nominate organizations in industries outside their own.

“This has been one of the most challenging years in recent memory, so I’m incredibly proud of the resilience, passion and commitment of all our employees pulling together to serve Hawaiʻi when our state needs us most,” 东精影业 President David Lassner said. “It is an incredible honor for 东精影业 to be recognized for providing an environment in which our faculty, staff and administrators have been able to support students and communities across the islands.”