UH Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng is the cover story in the current issue of Diverse Issues in Higher Education, an online magazine about diversity in higher ed.

Link to read article.

Chancellor Rose Tseng today announced the appointment of Ka‘iu Kimura (at left) as interim executive director of the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i. Kimura replaces Peter Giles, who served as ‘Imiloa’s executive director since 2005.

Kimura joined ‘Imiloa as the Hawaiian content research specialist during its planning phase in 2001 and later served as the center’s experience coordinator. She most recently held the position of associate director with the additional responsibility for all visitor experiences as well as planetarium, educational, exhibit, cultural and cultural landscape programming.

“Ka‘iu brings a wealth of experience to this position, combined with energy and drive,” Tseng said. “She also embraces ‘Imiloa’s mission to integrate science and culture, which will enable her to build on the center’s accomplishments and take it to the next level.”

Kimura was raised in Waimea and graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus. She returned to the Big Island to attend UH Hilo where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies. Kimura says she is humbled and excited about the opportunity to head ‘Imiloa.

“I’ve watched and participated as the center has evolved from its development, through its opening and beyond to its operational phase,” Kimura explained. “And I’m constantly amazed at how ‘Imiloa pursues its greater mission to inspire and provide greater opportunities for our youth and the community-at-large in the area of scientific innovation through a living and dynamic world view of our Hawaiian culture.”

Kimura said she wants to see ‘Imiloa develop more creative educational programming to engage Hawai‘i’s youth and inspire them to become the next generation of innovation leaders. She also plans to continue developing ‘Imiloa as a place for meaningful dialogue to promote scientific advancement and innovation.

Chancellor’s Message
Chamber Connection

November 2009

We dream big at UH Hilo

Thank you to Chamber staff and members for your generous support of the New Faculty Reception last month. University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College new faculty felt welcomed to our community with your spirit of aloha! The event was co-hosted by HICC, the Japanese Chamber, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, and Hui Ka Ua. The food and entertainment were top notch, including a taped demonstration by Derek Kurisu. Thanks also for your kind offers to give our newcomers tours of Hilo. Mahalo!

Last month, I gave a presentation to the UH Board of Regents on UH Hilo’s accomplishments and about our plans for our future. I’d like to share some key points.

UH Hilo is achieving access and excellence for our students, and providing higher education opportunities to residents of Hawai‘i. We also have a special relationship with the community. When we are successful, our community thrives. We improve the quality of life for the citizens of Hawai‘i, with a special responsibility to serve Native Hawaiian children and families.

We are always thinking ahead to what our community needs from us, then planning how to invest our resources to meet these needs. State economic studies have shown that Hawai‘i Island’s natural resource endowment is critical to the state’s growth and success. With this in mind, UH Hilo has thoughtfully developed academic programs that help the next generation understand and utilize our natural resources sustainably.

UH Hilo’s programs help create economic diversification for Hawai‘i, including a science industry. This is an important benefit for a state that relies heavily on tourism for its jobs and income. UH Hilo utilizes these resources to develop a sustainable knowledge-based economy. Our programs help ensure that the environment and culture are protected.

Our enrollment is growing. This fall, we enrolled nearly 4,000, an all-time high for UH Hilo. Hawai‘i residents are a growing share of our freshmen class, increasing from 52 percent in Fall 2003 to 78 percent this fall.

We must continue to grow in order to serve the state’s needs for a skilled workforce and educated citizens. We are graduating future professionals in critical workforce shortage areas for the state of Hawai‘i: Computer Science, Nursing, and Education.

One of UH Hilo’s strongest economic contributions is in the area of grants to support instruction and research. When I arrived in 1998, we had $3 million in grant activity. By 2009, we experienced a six-fold increase to $20 million a year. The teaching and research benefit our island, state and region, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education and other granting agencies.

Our economic impact on the local community has grown from $100 million in fiscal year 2003-04 to $240.4 million in 2007-08. UH Hilo creates jobs for our local families. In 2008, we were the second largest employer in East Hawai‘i with 610 people directly and another 3,907 jobs indirectly.

Clearly, UH Hilo is an economic engine for our island. UH Hilo’s University Park for Science and Technology is an international community of astronomy and other high-tech enterprises that generate about 400 jobs. Investment in park enterprises totals $900 million.

We have a commitment to help the whole state with economic stimulus and workforce development for the new century. As the vision of a “university town” comes to fruition in Hilo, our island will be buffered against economic recessions.

Looking to the future, an important way we contribute to the economy is by bringing in extramural funding. We badly need to expand our research infrastructure if we are to continue growing in this area. For example, after a lot of hard work, the Thirty Meter Telescope has selected Mauna Kea as their preferred site. UH Hilo and our Office of Mauna Kea Management work tirelessly to create the conditions under which both science and culture can thrive on Mauna Kea. If we are successful, future astronomy development in the state has the potential to bring tremendous benefits to the citizens of Hawai‘i.

We do dream big at UH Hilo, and we want only for our students, our university, our community and our state to be the best they can be. I want to thank the Chamber for all your support. When we all work together, great things happen!

Aloha,
Rose Tseng

Governor Linda Lingle has released $5.5 million for planning and design of a permanent building for the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo College of Pharmacy. The state legislature approved the funding earlier this year.

“The College of Pharmacy is a shining beacon in the educational system of Hawai‘i and the Pacific and I’m proud to be one of its supporters,” said Governor Lingle, who, on Oct. 23 proclaimed October American Pharmacists Month. “The presence of this school means that we can keep students from having to leave our state to get a degree in a field that will improve overall health care and the local economy.”

The college has admitted students for the last three academic years, sharing classrooms and laboratories with other departments at UH Hilo. Teaching, research, study, administrative and faculty office spaces are distributed across seven different sites on the UH Hilo campus and the Hilo community.

“A permanent home is absolutely crucial in order for the College of Pharmacy to achieve full accreditation as well as to provide an environment that is conducive to quality educational and research opportunities,” said Chancellor Rose Tseng. “We are grateful to the legislature and to the Governor for recognizing the dire need for pharmacists who will provide an even greater service as our population ages and we experience health care reform.”

A temporary modular compound of three buildings with one lecture auditorium, laboratories and offices has allowed the college to have a presence on the UH Hilo campus this semester. An investment by the Joseph M. Long Foundation will allow the construction of a $1 million addition.

“The modular compound will be put to good use in supporting UH Hilo activities long after the college moves into a permanent building, and we continue to be appreciative of the generosity from our colleagues on campus,” said Dean John M. Pezzuto. “Over the past three years, we have grown from zero to a faculty and staff of more than 40, and a student body of about 260. A dedicated College of Pharmacy facility is not a flight of fancy but a necessary component in our quest to become a top-rated pharmacy school while we improve health and health care in Hawai‘i and throughout the Pacific. I’d like to join the chancellor in thanking the governor and the legislature for recognizing the urgency of this plan.”

UH Hilo began the first phase of construction for the health sciences complex in October 2008 with $5 million in funding from the State of Hawai‘i. The finished permanent health complex is estimated to cost between $25-50 million.

The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo College of Pharmacy marked a milestone Saturday, Oct. 17 with a Blessing Ceremony in honor of three modular buildings that represent Phase I of the College’s temporary home. The compound, which was complete in August, is now being used by UH Hilo students and faculty, and includes offices, an auditorium, laboratories and research facilities.

“The facilities are really a significant first step toward answering the state’s need for more professionals that are committed to professional health care,” said Gerald De Mello, director of university relations. “The Pharmacy program gives a national distinction in many ways to the island and for our community, and adds a vitality to our University and our town. It will take us to our long-sought goal of redefining the basis of economics in Hilo to depend on a knowledge institution that helps move the town, the island and the state forward.”

Chancellor Rose Tseng spoke to the more than 65 people who attended, and recognized several dignitaries in attendance who have helped the College of Pharmacy, including Rep. Jerry Chang; Pat Deleon, chief of staff to Senator Daniel Inouye; Hilo attorney Roy Nakamoto; retired pharmacist Ron Okamura, member of the Dean’s Advisory Council; Representative Clift Tsuji; Allan Onishi, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i; Phoebe Lambeth, Rotary Club of South Hilo; and UH Regent Harvey Tajiri.

“Without the state legislature, we would never have gotten this far,” Tseng said. “With Dean John Pezzuto’s guidance, the college has already attracted top-notch faculty who really are modern-day pioneers working to make this a health care Mecca of the Pacific. But it takes a community to make this happen.”

Pezzuto expressed gratitude to the community, as well as to John Dill, the construction company that built the modular compound and provided the tent for the affair.

“These buildings actually got us on the map – the campus map,” Pezzuto said. “We are extremely grateful to the state legislature for giving us hope and the strength to carry ahead to reach our vision to become a top-rated College of Pharmacy.”

Danny Akaka Jr., son of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, conducted the traditional blessing.

“Use this time to move with the flow and to enjoy what nature gives us,” Akaka said. “It’s a symbol that we’re not alone. We’re surrounded by the beauty of this place and the ancestors who were here before us.”

Chancellor’s Message
Chamber Connection

October 2009

New Athletic Director Dexter Irvin joins UH Hilo

I’m pleased to tell you that Dexter Irvin is the new Director of Athletics at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He arrived in August and officially started the job Sept. 1. As UH Hilo athletic director, he oversees our 13 NCAA Division II athletic programs.

Dexter brings a wealth of experience with him. He spent the past decade as Director of Athletics of fellow Pacific West Conference member Dixie State College in St. George, Utah. During his tenure, he increased fundraising and contributions to over $500,000 per year, and guided the program from junior college status to the NCAA Division II level.

Dexter’s experience also includes coaching women’s basketball at Dixie State College (2001-05), Western New Mexico University (1988-93), Clarendon College (1985-88) and Utah Valley Community College (1978-79). He also was athletic director for the Utah County Boys Club (1980) and Kirtland Central High School in New Mexico (1995-99).

Dexter says his move to Hilo is very significant in his life and the lives of his family. He says coming to UH Hilo is one of the smartest, best moves he’s made in his career, and that he feels like the Indiana Jones of athletics in a great adventure!

We were delighted to see Dexter arrive and jump in early to get a good head start on his new duties as director. I admire his enthusiasm and passion for his new position, and I know he will bring stability to our Department of Athletics.

Dexter’s commitment to excellence in academics and athletics, his ability to connect with people and his sound fiscal sense make him a perfect fit for UH Hilo. His student-athletes at Dixie State earned the Pacific West Conference Community Engagement Award this year, a reflection of Dexter’s own community engagement. We expect he will feel right at home with the island and community’s spirit of aloha.

So please help us welcome Dexter to UH Hilo. He is exactly what we need in Vulcan Athletics, what we need for UH Hilo, and what we need for the Big Island. I’m thrilled Dexter has agreed to join the UH Hilo ‘ohana as our AD!

I’d like to thank the community and the Chamber for your involvement in the search process. Special thanks to Chamber President Mary Begier, who was on the search committee. When we all work together, great things happen!

Aloha,
Rose Tseng

The following message is from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Luoluo Hong:

“We’d like to extend our thoughts and prayers to those students and employees whose families have been affected by yesterday’s earthquake and tsunami in Samoa. The University of Hawai?i at Hilo serves not only the state, but also the entire Pacific. As such, we regard Samoa as part of our extended ‘ohana.

“Various relief efforts are being planned by students, including the UH Hilo Samoan Club. For more information about how to contribute to their efforts, please contact Ginger Hamilton, Director of the Minority Access & Achievement Program, at gingerh@hawaii.edu. In addition, students needing assistance to cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster should contact UH Hilo Counseling Services at 974-7399 to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals on staff.”

Chancellor’s Message
Chamber Connection

September 2009

UH Hilo’s diverse and international community helps students develop a world view and critical thinking skills that are essential to becoming global citizens.

This month I’d like to share with you some information about University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s international programs.

As I write this, international students are still registering and we anticipate students representing about 35 countries. We see the most international students joining us from Japan, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Korea, but also welcome many from throughout Asia, Pacific islands, Europe and the Americas. About 22 percent of our international students are majoring in General Studies and 20 percent in Business Administration and Economics.

International programs and outreach are very important components of a comprehensive university. Our international students, combined with our ethnically and culturally diverse local students, create a global village in which our students can thrive. We have a campus community where we produce future world leaders who value diversity and are deeply committed to democracy and a peaceful, productive global society.

We offer a lot of support for our international students. UH Hilo’s Office of International Student Services coordinates all services for international students including cross-cultural counseling, advising, visa regulations, and social and personal growth activities.

Another component of our internationalized campus is UH Hilo’s Center for Global Education and Exchange. The center’s mission is to promote international education and internationalize UH Hilo as a world-class global university. The center serves UH Hilo’s Study Abroad students, which include students based at UH Hilo who are interested in attending a foreign university, and students from abroad choosing UH Hilo for one or two semesters.

UH Hilo has exchange agreements with countries such as Japan, China, Korea, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand and Belize. These agreements have helped diversify the international student population at UH Hilo as well as created new opportunities for UH Hilo students seeking to study abroad.

This semester we enrolled 56 exchange students from eight different countries: Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. Some are here for one semester but the majority are here for one year.

Four students from China are the first enrolled in our new 1+2+1 program. They’ve come to UH Hilo after completing one year at university in China. They spend two to three years in the U.S. before going back to China to complete their degree. They graduate with two degrees: one from UH Hilo and one from their university in China.

I am just preparing for a trip to China and Korea in September, where I will be focusing on recruiting. Among my many activities will be a presentation to the students at Communication University of China in Beijing. I look forward to sharing information about UH Hilo and the Big Island, and inspiring young scholars to come and study with us.

UH Hilo’s international programs are of great benefit at many levels. Our global village helps all our students develop a world view and critical thinking skills that are essential to becoming global citizens.

Before I close, I’d like to extend a warm thank you to Chamber Board and members for your support of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Thanks to the overwhelming community support, TMT has decided Mauna Kea is the preferred site for the $1.2 billion observatory. This project will benefit our island communities and the university in many ways. I’m very grateful for all your time and help on the collaborative process of bringing TMT to our island.

Thank you for all your support. When we all work together, great things happen!

Aloha,

Rose Tseng

Over 400 new students and their families took part Tuesday in the first-ever Student Convocation at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center.

The event, part of Fall Orientation and the brainchild of the Task Force on New Student Programs, is designed to be a bookend to Commencement. The new students gathered as an entering class to meet their faculty and deans at the beginning of their collegiate experience, as they do upon graduation.

“The Student Convocation was successful beyond our expectations,” said Chancellor Rose Tseng, who welcomed the new students to UH Hilo. “It was an opportunity for the students to celebrate their entrance into the University, as well as to reflect upon their very real commitment to strive for academic excellence.”

Students were introduced, college by college, to their respective deans. The student body president then led students in a pledge of commitment. UH Hilo administrators then expressed their expectations to the new students and impressed upon them the importance of the educational journey they are about to take.

“I believe the ceremonial nature of the Convocation provides the new students with a preview of the excitement and the accomplishment they will feel upon achieving the goal of graduation,” Tseng said.

Above, Chancellor Tseng addresses the standing-room-only crowd at UH Hilo’s first Student Convocation, held at the university’s Performing Arts Center. Photo by John Oshima.

Chancellor’s Message
Chamber Connection

August 2009

UH Hilo heads program to increase science and technology graduates throughout Pacific region

This month, I’d like to tell you about an exciting academic program headed by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo that benefits the entire Pacific region. The Islands of Opportunity Alliance is a multi-nation program to increase minority students with baccalaureate and master degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, the so-called STEM fields, the most needed professionals in the global marketplace.

UH Hilo is the lead institution of the Alliance; we administer this $1.7 million five-year grant. The Alliance is made up of 18 postsecondary institutions throughout Hawai‘i and the Pacific and is funded by the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation or LSAMP program of the National Science Foundation. The program began in 2006, and I serve as principal investigator.

We set the bar high for our goals: To increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM disciplines, to focus on recruitment of qualified students, to create internships and research opportunities, to promote retention, and to improve STEM courses.

I’m happy to report the Alliance is meeting all its goals! Here are some shining examples:

At UH Hilo, students interested in conducting scientific research are doing internships in our Keaholoa LSAMP Scholars Program. Students are mentored in topics related to our island environment, combining field and laboratory work.

At UH Manoa, skilled upper classmen mentor freshmen and sophomores. This mentoring program helps underclassmen interact socially but also helps with course preparation and communication skills.

At Hawai‘i Community College, students intern at the Kohala Watershed, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and the U.S. Forest Service’s Laupahoehoe Permanent Plot Project.

At Kapiolani Community College, a student coordinated the Health Service-Learning Pathway Program for over 80 students.

At Guam Community College, students with high ability skills in math and science tutor those with lower ability skills.

At Palau Community College, a student participated in a summer research and cultural exchange program at Biological Station in Las Cruces, Costa Rica. Another student participated in the Okinawa-Pacific Education Network Initiative Project forum in Okinawa.

In June, I attended the NSF Joint Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. We made plans for the International LSAMP program, where students will be allowed to travel to foreign countries to further their research.

Here at home, the second annual LSAMP Student Research Conference will be held at UH Hilo August 3-5. Forty students will present their research projects, Hokule‘a navigator Chadd Babayan will lecture, and there will be a field trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

The LSAMP program is just one example of UH Hilo’s success in reaching out to Native Hawaiian and Pacific island nation students interested in STEM disciplines. And because of the program, there is more local and international awareness of UH Hilo’s role and abilities to secure federal grant programs.

Since the start of our LSAMP program, STEM activities and participation have doubled at Alliance institutions. More importantly, underrepresented minority students increased their graduate rate in STEM fields from 26.6 percent in the first year to 35.1 percent in the second year of the grant.

I’m proud UH Hilo is taking the lead on this program, which benefits both Hawai‘i and Pacific island nations. As we increase student graduates in STEM fields, we enrich the pool of talented scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians for the Pacific region and the world, exactly what’s needed for workforce development in a global economy.

Thank you for all your support. When we all work together, great things happen!

Aloha,
Rose Tseng