University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel and Leeward Community College Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza hosted public forums at Leeward CC and UH West Oʻahu on October 10, to open a campus-wide conversation about a potential unified vision and closer integration between the two institutions. (Videos of both forums are available below.)
The sessions, which were also livestreamed, followed Hensel’s September 18 announcement that Peñaloza will serve as interim chancellor of UH West Oʻahu effective January 1, while continuing to lead Leeward CC. In her remarks, Hensel emphasized that the dual leadership role represents the beginning of a conversation and “there are no predetermined outcomes.”
“All of you will have the opportunity to engage directly and we’ll hear from you about what excites you about the future, what opportunities are out there and that these conversations will go forward together,” Hensel said.
Peñaloza affirmed his dedication to serving, and uniting, the two campuses in support of students.
“I am committed to both campuses and I am committed to exploring possibilities to enhance our student experience,” Peñaloza said. “As I’ve been committed to Leeward for a little over six years, I am committed to making UH West Oʻahu part of my ʻohana as well and make sure they get the necessary resources for us to explore what could be the future for both of us.”
More than 50 people attended the Leeward CC forum in person and more than 100 tuned in online. At UH West Oʻahu, more than 70 people attended in person and approximately 150 watched online. In total, approximately 30 questions were answered in both forums, following presentations by Hensel and Peñaloza.
Questions were asked about a variety of topics, including student support services, academic alignment, and how shared initiatives could enhance educational access for west Oʻahu students. Hensel and Peñaloza reaffirmed that no structural changes have been made and that the purpose of the discussion is to listen, gather input and envision possibilities together.
UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham, who will step down at the end of the year, opened the forum at UH West Oʻahu and introduced Hensel and Peñaloza.
Recordings of both forums will be added to this story when they’re available for those who could not attend.
