Chancellor Tseng, at center in red, at US-China Energy Conference held at UH Hilo

From Big Island Video News:

March 19, 2009 – Hilo, Hawaii
VIDEO: David Corrigan

An international meeting of the world’s top two energy consuming countries took place on the Big Island Wednesday, as the Committee on U.S. – China Cooperation on Electricity from Renewables convened in Hilo.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo was the host for the joint U.S.-China delegation, which was comprised of leading scientists and experts on renewable energy from the National Academies of Science and Engineering in both countries.

According to a university press release, the committee met at UH Hilo to learn more about how the Big Island’s renewable energy strategies, initiatives and research can strengthen the economic foundation of the community.

Chancellor Rose Tseng, who greeted the Chinese delegates in their own language, took a moment to do a video interview about the important meeting.

Joining the two countries’ leading renewable energy researchers were representatives of Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawaii Electric Light Company, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association and local agriculture businesses.

A UH-Hilo press release notes that the U.S. and China rank as the world’s top two energy consumers, but remain largely reliant on fossil fuels.

The delegation is also visiting other parts of the state.

Chancellor Rose Tseng announced today the appointment of Kelly Oaks (at left) to the position of director of the Office of Equal Employment Oppotunity/Affirmative Action effective April 1. The EEOAA Office is responsible for campus equal opportunity employment practices and diversity initiatives.

Oaks was selected after a nationwide search and brings with her over 13 years of EEO/AA and diversity experience dating back to 1996 with the University of Nevada. Since 2003, she has held various diversity and equity related positions at Virginia Tech, including the positions of equity manager, associate director of equity initiatives and her most recent position, director of equity initiatives.

The EEO/AA Office will be newly delegated to the Vice Chancellor of Administrative Affairs Debra Fitzsimons.

“Ms. Oaks’ record is impressive, and we are looking forward to her coming on board,” stated Tseng. “I am confident that both Dr. Fitzsimons and Ms. Oaks, with their combined experience in this area, will take UH Hilo to the next level in equal opportunity, diversity, and equity initiatives and will offer training and workshops that the campus needs.”

Chancellor’s Message
Chamber Connection
March 2009

Advancing UH Hilo, Hilo and the Big Island: When we grow, you grow

I’d like to share with you some of the exciting educational and research programs I’ve been participating in and promoting during my recent travels.

I met with staff of Senator Daniel Inouye and Congressman Neil Abercrombie to discuss UH Hilo’s ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai’i, our College of Pharmacy, our National Science Foundation grants and programs, and other funding sources to support the university and community programs. We also discussed the decommissioned Army Reserve property in Hilo; the 3.75 acres parcel is an ideal location for the operation and expansion of UH Hilo.

I’m excited to be serving as vice chair of the steering committee at the Millennium Learning Initiative Institute. The MLI is part of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and is a leadership development program that provides individuals from underrepresented groups a unique opportunity to advance to the presidency in higher education.

The MLI program identifies African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islanders and women in senior-level positions, who are interested in career advancement to the presidency, and helps them achieve that goal. It’s an honor to be vice chair of the steering committee at the MLI Institute, where we are charged with strategic planning for the Institute.

I’ve also been active at the Executive Network Board at the American Council on Education (ACE). I currently represent Hawai’i on the State Coordinators’ Conference, held as part of ACE’s annual meeting, where I interact with representatives from other states on important issues such as student and faculty retention, diversity and minority enrollment, personnel issues, funding, and international networking. I learn a tremendous amount at these gatherings, and it’s also highly valuable for putting UH Hilo, Hilo and the Big Island on the map through sharing and promoting our unique location and excellent programs in these areas.

One of UH Hilo’s most exciting initiatives is the Islands of Opportunity Alliance program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. I serve as principal investigator and UH Hilo is the lead institution in the 19-member NSF Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation or LSAMP program, which has the goal of increasing the number of students successfully completing baccalaureate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics: the STEM fields.

The Islands of Opportunity Alliance recently held a summit in Honolulu with representatives from the 19 institutions, including University of Guam, Palau Community College, Hawai’i Pacific University, Chaminade University and the 10 campuses of the University of Hawai’i system. Institution representatives met with NSF directors from Washington, D.C., to evaluate progress, share best practices, and reassess plans for the second half of the award period.

What I have learned in my travels over the past 10 years is that UH Hilo serves as a model institution on issues of diversity, international networking and interaction, collaborative research and STEM programs, and other educational programs that prepare our students for the 21^st century global society. Many organizations and universities look to UH Hilo for leadership in these areas, and it’s an honor for me to share our expertise and learn from others so that together we can build even stronger programs.

My participation in these prestigious organizations and initiatives is extremely important not only for advancing and promoting UH Hilo throughout the country and internationally, but also Hilo and the Big Island. What’s good for the university is also very good for our local communities and businesses. When we grow, you grow!

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

Aloha and mahalo,

Rose Tseng