University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel visited Kauaʻi Community College on March 5 and left inspired by the campus’ strong sense of community and connection.
“The campus is deeply committed to seeing success in its community at every level,” said Hensel after the day-long visit. “Students are empowered to give back to other students, creating a cycle of support that strengthens the entire community. They’re backed by faculty and staff who not only care about their academic and career goals but also about who they are as individuals.”
Kauaʻi CC is the 9th UH campus she has visited as part of her statewide tour of the 10-campus system and five education centers during her first 90 days in office. The day began with a Hawaiian protocol ceremony at the campus ahu, which is made up of stones from every ahupuaʻa on the island—symbolizing the deep connection between the college and the broader Kauaʻi community.
Hensel then toured the campus library, where many student services are housed, including the International Programs Office, Hoʻai Food and Goods Pantry, Kikuchi Center, tutoring services and the distance education center. She later met with the Makaloa Council, the designated advisory board to the chancellor to support the campus-wide integration of Hawaiian values, and toured the campus loʻi (taro patch).
Additional stops included the Apiary Project Office and meetings with the campus leadership team, before an open campus forum attended by more than 50 students, faculty and staff. The main concern raised was the potential impacts of recent federal executive orders on UH.
“We are in uncharted waters, and the only way for us to navigate this as a community is to work through it together,” Hensel said. “That’s why communication is so important, so that your voices are heard.”
Other topics discussed included strengthening community colleges, filling vacant positions amid budget and salary constraints, improving systemwide communication and the role UH should play in addressing housing shortages for students and employees.
“I’ve been really impressed by her attitude and her commitment to staying engaged,” said Kauaʻi CC associate history professor Mark Ombrello after the forum. “With this visit, not just to Kauaʻi, but to all the campuses in the system, I think she’s really demonstrating that commitment. She wants to stay engaged with everyone, and that’s a very positive sign.”
Following the forum, President Hensel had lunch with student leaders, where she learned about the Kīpaipai Program and Waiʻaleʻale Project, both of which provide pathways to higher education for underserved students.
“I really like her leadership style,” said Asher Griffith, Kauaʻi CC student government president after the lunch meeting. “She seems very interested in helping the community and Hawaiʻi as a whole. She has taken on leadership roles before during difficult times like COVID, and I believe she’s well-prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Hensel met with the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate in the afternoon, discussing shared governance and the role of faculty and staff in shaping the university’s future. The day concluded with a UH Foundation-sponsored reception at The Plantation House by Gaylords, attended by more than 40 Kauaʻi CC supporters and community members.
“It’s pretty amazing how many people come to Kauaʻi Community College for their education and choose to stay, continuing to give back,” she said. “It’s such a tight-knit community, and people don’t want to leave. The challenge now is figuring out how to ensure they have the resources and opportunities they need right here on the island.”
President Hensel’s campus/education centers remaining schedule:
President Hensel campus visit recaps
- Monday, March 24 – Windward CC
- Tuesday, April 8 – Molokaʻi Education Center
For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the UH community to connect with her on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
