University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette K. P. Ah Nee-Benham has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
The AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of more than 500 regional public colleges, universities and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development, according to AASCU.
“We are thrilled Chancellor Benham will serve on the AASCU Board of Directors,” said Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. “She is a strong advocate for student success, and we look forward to seeing her use a national stage to advocate for the needs of the more than 3 million students AASCU members serve.”
The AASCU membership elected Benham to a three-year term through 2027 at its annual conference, on November 19 in Puerto Rico. Benham said she is honored to serve.
“The AASCU is a particularly important organization as their mission aligns with a kuleana of UH West Oʻahu, which is to ‘empower these stewards of place to catalyze economic and social mobility,’” Benham said. “Both UH West Oʻahu and UH Hilo are members of AASCU along with our cousin school, the University of Guam, so I have the opportunity to bring the culture and values of Pasifika to this important national table.”
Qualifications for board members include extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in higher education; a commitment to and understanding of AASCU’s mission, vision and its member institutions; savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating and building consensus among diverse individuals; and personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a passion for improving AASCU institutions. Board member responsibilities specifically include the broad leadership, governance and oversight of AASCU.
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—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman
