Carlos Peñaloza kicked off the spring 2026 semester by addressing the faculty and staff of both Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu during their respective convocations on January 7 and 8. Appointed by UH President Wendy Hensel, Peñaloza is serving in a groundbreaking dual role as the chancellor of Leeward CC and the interim chancellor of UH West Oʻahu. This unique leadership structure was designed to launch a strategic exploration of a unified vision for higher education in the region.
- Related UH News story: Peñaloza to serve as interim chancellor of UH West Oʻahu, lead collaboration with Leeward CC
During his addresses, Peñaloza, who has led Leeward CC since 2019, introduced a framework for co-creating a “Regional Comprehensive Educational Ecosystem.” He emphasized that while he is committed to preserving the distinct missions of both institutions, he wants to work together to tear down the barriers that hinder student progress. This includes optimizing curriculum to ensure seamless credit transfers and exploring academic innovations, such as three-year degree programs, to meet workforce needs.
“I’m very excited about the opportunities for both colleges and our community,” Peñaloza said. “It’s an opportunity for both students and our community to explore both the community college and a regional comprehensive four-year model.”
Peñaloza’s priorities are innovation, efficiency and student success. He aims to strengthen the use of regional facilities, such as the Academy for Creative Media, Waiʻanae Moku and the Wahiawā Value Added Product Development Center, to benefit students from both campuses. By leveraging his experience at Leeward CC, Peñaloza hopes to create a model for 21st-century education that blends high-tech skills with ancestral wisdom.
To ensure a transparent and consultative process, a Joint Advisory Group will be formed to lead this inquiry. Peñaloza noted that the two colleges already share deep community ties and a history of colocation. He expressed his honor in leading this path of discovery to better serve the families of West and Central Oʻahu.
