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Hokoana with Windward Chancellor Doug Dykstra

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Lui Hokoana was named State of Hawaiʻi Manager of the Year during a ceremony Friday at the State Capitol Auditorium.

The award honors the state executive branch manager who exemplifies the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.

As vice chancellor for student affairs at Windward Community College, Lui focused on student recruitment and community outreach, accessed grants for faculty and staff development, created a mentoring program and promoted academic support strategies to improve student achievement.

Hokoana joined the UH System Office of Student Affairs in May. He continues to strengthen educational opportunities for UH students and the community and develop and coordinate systemwide student affairs policies and procedures.

Hokoana is described as a charming man who exudes goodwill, a sincere interest in the well-being of students and commitment to support faculty and staff. “Lui is an experienced and seasoned leader who is attuned to community needs, especially as they relate to Hawaiian affairs,” noted Rockne Freitas, UH vice president for student affairs and university and community relations.

Hokoana began his UH career as a counselor at UH Maui College in 1991. He served as director of the Liko Aʻe Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program, which he developed and implemented to provide scholarships to students throughout the United States, and he is a founder and past president of the Native Hawaiian Education Association. In 1999 he received the Ke Kukui Mālamalama Excellence in Hawaiian Education award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Hokoana holds a BA in political science from UH Hilo, MA in communications from UH Mānoa and an EdD in education from the University of Southern California.

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