The Native Hawaiian Education Association (NHEA) honored Leeward Community College Chancellor Manuel Cabral and University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Judy Oliveira as its 2017 Educators of the Year. The awards were presented at the 18th annual NHEA convention held at Windward CC on March 29.
This award honors individuals who have demonstrated exemplary work in academic and cultural education within the Hawaiian community. Awardees are dedicated to furthering the education of Native Hawaiians and have taken an active role in the community. They have inspired students of Hawaiian ancestry to excellence and have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues.
More on Manuel Cabral
Cabral began serving as chancellor of Leeward CC on June 1, 2008 after serving as interim chancellor since March 2007. Cabral worked for 28 years at Leeward in various capacities, including faculty senate vice chair, chair of the Campus Council, and for 19 years as the mathematics and science division chair.
Throughout his tenure at this campus, Cabral has made significant contributions to the advancement of education initiatives. His collaborative leadership style has also positively impacted Native Hawaiian students at Leeward CC. One of his quotes, “Take the risk, extend yourself, and let life happen to you” typifies the kind of educator he embodies.
He has been recognized for his excellence in teaching and leadership with the UH Board of Regents’ Excellence in Teaching Award and the Outstanding Leadership Award of the National Community College Division Chair Academy.
Cabral earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and French from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and a master’s degree in mathematics from Indiana University.
More on Judy Oliveira
As vice chancellor for student affairs, Oliveira is responsible for campus-wide planning and policy formulation and ensures that student affairs programs, services and activities are aligned with the academic mission and strategic goals of UH West Oʻahu.
Oliveira provides leadership for the delivery and administration of a full-range of student affairs programs including enrollment management, admissions, outreach, academic program advising, student orientation and registration, financial aid, activities, counseling, cultural advising, health and wellness, judicial affairs, first-year experience and retention and career development. As a member of the university’s senior staff, she is responsible for overseeing the budget and material resources of the student affairs department and developing a comprehensive learning environment with a successful program of student retention that complements UH West Oʻahu’s strategic plan for recruitment and enrollment.
Oliveira earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UH Mānoa, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Gonzaga University and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.
About the Native Hawaiian Education Association
The Native Hawaiian Education Association is a private non-profit organization of Native Hawaiian educators. The organization was started in 1998 with its first convention on the island of Maui. Adapted after the National Indian Education Association, NHEA facilitates a network of Hawaiian educators addressing various educational issues that challenge the Hawaiian population. NHEA is a grassroots organization focused on supporting, encouraging, networking, collaborating and furthering the work of those tasked with the responsibility of educating our Native Hawaiian children. As an association, NHEA advocates an educational philosophy that acknowledges a Native Hawaiian perspective to teaching and learning in the 21st century.
—By Kathleen Cabral
