During spring break, University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� nursing student Jolene Chun joined National Guard search and rescue efforts in high-risk flood zones in Waialua to help ensure the safety of residents and property during the state evacuation order in March. Chun, a state-activated Hawaiʻi Air National Guard Staff Sergeant medic with the U.S. Air Force, is pursuing her advanced degree through the (GEPN) in the (SONDH).

“The most impactful moment during the search was witnessing the devastation of mass amounts of property and vehicles displaced due to the powerful impact of the flood,” Chun said.

Chun earned her bachelor of arts in with a concentration in disaster preparedness and management from ����Vlog�ٷ� West Oʻahu in 2021. Her decision to serve as a medic in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard was influenced in part by educational opportunities, including tuition assistance that supported her undergraduate degree.

Her training in the GEPN program built on her clinical experience as a medic, strengthening her ability to respond in high-pressure situations.

“The program helped me render aid with definitive treatments in mind, which made me more confident assisting in the field,” she said.

Even to make the smallest difference, I will answer the call.
—Jolene Chun

Balancing both roles, Chun said the skills complement each other and reinforce a shared focus on patient care, making her immediate decision to assist during spring break instinctive.

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to assist in responding to people in the community. Even to make the smallest difference, I will answer the call,” she said.

A long-term commitment to service

Chun plans to graduate in 2028 and commission as a Hawaiʻi Air National Guard nurse, eventually pursuing the to continue serving Hawaiʻi communities. In addition to focusing on women’s wellness, she aims to help improve coordination across federal, state, city and private sectors to expand access to healthcare.

As the affected communities continue cleaning and rebuilding, Chun reflects on the ongoing efforts. “I am appreciative that the National Guard members are still out there working with the community to help the land and people pick up the pieces to hopefully normalize after the effects of the Kona Low system.”

SONDH Dean Clementina Ceria-Ulep added, “Jolene’s dedication as a nursing student and medic showcases the remarkable service and leadership our students bring to Hawaiʻi communities.”

The earned high marks in nearly 20 academic subjects in the , with , and leading the way among the highest-ranked programs.

Oceanography ranked No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 7 in the world, atmospheric science placed No. 8 nationally and No. 11 worldwide, and hospitality and tourism management ranked No. 12 in the U.S. and No. 32 in the world.

The rankings were released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy and is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of university performance by discipline.

����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa also posted strong global and national placements across science, engineering, social science and other fields. tied for No. 17 in the U.S. and ranked No. 51–75 worldwide, while ecology and each tied for No. 24 nationally and placed No. 76–100 globally.

Additional ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa subjects recognized in the 2025 rankings include communication, education, political science, water resources, biological sciences, civil engineering, food science and technology, environmental science and engineering, agricultural sciences, economics, management and physics.

“These rankings reflect the depth and consistency of excellence at ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa,” Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “Our faculty are advancing research that matters locally and globally, while preparing students to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world.”

����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa was evaluated alongside approximately 2,000 universities from more than 100 countries and regions, selected from a global pool of more than 25,000 institutions. The rankings are based on measures such as world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.

Other recent rankings:

• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 9, 2025
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, October 2, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, September 23, 2025

For more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

For the Racoma family, the ’s December commencement holds special significance because of who will be sharing the stage–Tanya Hōkūlani Racoma and her firstborn, son Brendan Isaiah ʻOnipaʻa Racoma.

Hōkū, as she is known, is a mother of three—ages 23, 16 and 13. She took a nearly two decades-long break from college to focus on raising her family.

“My biggest reason for coming back to school and completing my bachelor’s degree was to teach my kids when you start something, to always finish it,” said Hōkū, 43, a professional songwriter. “It was always a dream of mine.”

Hōkū and Brendan, of Waipahu, are among nearly 190 students participating in . Hōkū will graduate with honors, earning a bachelor of arts in humanities with a concentration in English and a certificate in music. Brendan will receive a bachelor of arts in public administration with a concentration in disaster preparedness and emergency management.

Hōkū and Brendan’s shared success resulted from similar paths (although different timelines)—both transferred to ����Vlog�ٷ� West Oʻahu after each attended two ����Vlog�ٷ� Community Colleges, and each earned two associate degrees and various certificates.

“We didn’t plan it,” Hōkū said and smiled. “It just happened like that.”

Brendan, like his mother, feels a strong sense of achievement as graduation nears. For him, navigating college life with work, as well as other obligations and responsibilities, came with inevitable challenges.

“Truthfully, in my point of view, it wasn’t easy,” Brendan said. “But it was really all worthwhile. And having mom with me is like an added bonus.”

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

Two researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� are set to begin a pioneering study exploring an innovative blend of mindful meditation practices. Focusing on reflection with sensory integration, they will utilize the Japanese bamboo flute, shakuhachi and haiku poetry writing to shed new light inspiring the well-being of older adults (kūpuna).

Researchers Katsumi Takemoto and Yeonjung Jane Lee have shared insights from their work in the , bringing attention to the potential of these practices to foster healing and resilience within the community.

The study engages participants in sessions with the shakuhachi performed by Takemoto, into nature-inspired poetry. Data will be collected through pre- and post-session surveys and reflections, focusing on participants’ perceived mind-body experiences. The ultimate goal is to use the findings to develop accessible interventions that enhance the lives of kūpuna while potentially reducing healthcare costs.

Personal experience leads to study

Takemoto, a graduate and current master of social work student specializing in gerontology, is leading the study. She has practiced meditation since the age of eight and has more than forty years of expertise with the shakuhachi. Her commitment to fostering reflection and peace led her to play for hospice patients, creating what she describes as a “sacred space for self-reflection.”

“I’ve observed through the spirit of serving, when playing the natural sounds through bamboo, my shakuhachi becomes a living vessel, and has brought peace to those in physical or emotional pain that often go beyond what human language can express” said Takemoto. “This study is important to me because I believe cultural and Indigenous knowledge is healing medicine that must be respected and honored alongside the dominant Western medical model that society has adopted.”

Lee, an associate professor at the , highlighted the importance of integrating culturally responsive practices in health care for Hawaiʻi’s diverse kūpuna population.

“From a decolonizing perspective, it is critical to implement culturally responsive approaches, such as shakuhachi and haiku reflection, to promote the health and well-being of diverse older adults in Hawaiʻi,” said Lee. “Katsumi’s work is rooted in our community, and she has rich experience and a critical lens for cultural sensitivity and intersectionality. Katsumi’s compassion, expertise, sensitivity and cultural humility, just to name a few, shine in her work.”

“Through this research, we hope to illuminate the lives of our kūpuna with culturally grounded practices,” said Takemoto.

Two members of the Dagdag family will participate in ’s commencement ceremonies on May 9. Seanna-Victoria and her father Frederick have earned associate in arts degrees in liberal arts. In addition, Seanna-Victoria’s sister and Frederick’s daughter Landyn-Angelie, an early college student and Maui High School (MHS) class of 2024 graduating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

The learning legacy at ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui College spans two generations in a family of nurses, two degrees and multiple program certificates.

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS graduate, crossed my path during our high school outreach for fall registration when she was a senior. She expressed her ambition to become a pharmacist, and her dedication was evident in her academic achievements,” said Eri Nomura, ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui College academic counselor. “Following graduation, she seized the opportunity to obtain the pharmacy tech certification during the summer. This experience, I believe, led her to reconsider her career path, ultimately deciding to pursue nursing.”

Since earning her certified pharmacy technician national certification in spring 2022, Seanna-Victoria has been working at a CVS Pharmacy at Target. After graduating with her associate’s degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui College nursing program in January 2025.

“Walking across the stage with my father beside me fills me with profound gratitude for his guidance, unwavering support, and countless lessons. His pursuit of education showcases his commitment to continuous learning. Graduating together is more than receiving diplomas; it’s about celebrating our shared journey and the endless possibilities ahead,” said Seanna-Victoria. “The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College has been pivotal in my academic growth, expanding my horizons and nurturing my personal development. Faculty dedication guided me, instilling purpose and pride, emphasizing that learning never ceases. I’m immensely grateful for the university’s role in shaping who I am today, laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.”

Frederick Dagdag, father

Frederick completed his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2023. He accepted an automatic admission offer, and is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree through ����Vlog�ٷ� West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he graduated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs Hawaiʻi.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I graduate from Maui College with an associate degree in liberal arts and a CO in information security. Returning to school to continue my education alongside my daughter, I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. This milestone is not only about academic achievement, but also about resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning,“ Frederick said.

“Maui College has given me the opportunity to earn an education while being close to home. In addition, ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui has provided me with numerous resources and a supportive community that have helped me, and countless others, to move forward in our educational accomplishments.”

Check out more stories of our ����Vlog�ٷ� spring graduates

Frederick added, “Sharing this moment with my daughter, who is also earning her associate degree in liberal arts, adds an extra sense of pride and joy. As we both step onto the stage together, we represent the spirit of determination and the belief that learning is a journey with no age limits.”

—By Valerie Matsunaga

An international legal affairs and dispute resolution workshop that featured more than 35 presentations was hosted and managed by a multidisciplinary team of experts at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, bringing together more than 60 experts in the field.

The four-day event in October 2023 was organized by the Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction (LADR), and co-sponsored by the Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The workshop was supported by Hensel Phelps, ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� and the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� (CECE).

The workshop was held in a hybrid format at the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Campus Center, and was attended by 63 participants, of whom 35 were online, and 28 were on-site. A total of 36 presentations were made and accompanied by full-length manuscripts that will be published in the peer-reviewed Journal of LADR. The workshop offered an opportunity for researchers in this niche area to network and collaborate on future projects.

The workshop started with an introduction from Lance VanDemark of Vertex Engineering, CO, who served as the primary guest editor of the special collection of this workshop. Keynote speeches were given by Professor John Barkai of the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� , Professor Robert Robinson of the and Ulrike Quapp, an attorney from HTWK Leipzig, Germany. Morgen Johansen, ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� chair, and Song Choi, College of Engineering assistant dean, gave welcome addresses. The opening session included a color guard ceremony by the ����Vlog�ٷ� Navy ROTC, and the Star Spangled Banner and Hawaiʻi �ʴDzԴ�ʻī were sung by Yamilet Garcia of the .

“The workshop was a great success,” said Professor Amarjit Singh of the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� CECE, who organized and chaired the event, and is also the editor-in-chief of the LADR journal. “Invaluable assistance was offered by CECE graduate students, Lt. Col. James Walton, TA Rumesh Senthilnathan, Lt. Kim Long Le, East-West Center Fellow Kalen Eyre, Cpt. Kevin Corizzi and East-West Center Fellow Menghong An. All in all, the workshop owes its success to the collaborative effort of faculty and staff from multiple departments and schools of ����Vlog�ٷ�.”

Singh also acknowledged the assistance from the IT staff from CECE, and students from the who helped manage the hybrid sessions.

Also part of the conference was a welcome reception and a cultural tour to the Polynesian Cultural Center, which was supported by Hensel Phelps.

The is highly ranked in a variety of subject areas, according to two of the premier comprehensive subject rankings in the world.

The placed No. 7 in the U.S. and No. 17 in the world, the ranked No. 10 in the U.S. and No. 13 in the world and the placed No. 18 in the U.S. and No. 49 in the world, according to the (GRAS) released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. The oceanography and atmospheric sciences departments are out of the , and the TIM school is housed in the .

In total, 14 subjects placed in the top 1% in the world (top 250 out of more than 25,000 colleges and universities worldwide) in both the and the GRAS.

“These rankings affirm our university’s commitment to excellence across a wide range of disciplines,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “Our world-class faculty are working hard to prepare our students to be the creative and innovative leaders who will transform our islands and the world.”

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Fourteen ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� subjects were ranked by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, including four in the world’s top 100 and 11 in the nation’s top 70. GRAS, released on October 27, is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective rankings of world universities by subjects.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� was one of more than 1,900 universities in 104 countries and regions selected for the GRAS rankings, out of more than 25,000 total colleges and universities around the world. The criteria include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s rankings:

• Atmospheric science: No. 13 worldwide, No. 10 U.S.
• Oceanography: No. 17 worldwide, No. 7 U.S.
• Hospitality and tourism management: No. 49 worldwide, No. 18 U.S.
• : No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 19–30 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–62 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–63 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 68–84 U.S.
• Ecology: No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 43–60 U.S.
• : No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 72–87 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 43–69 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 49–66 U.S.
• and : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 53–67 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 88–114 U.S.
• : No. 401–500 worldwide, No. 56–63 U.S.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, released on October 26, five out of the 10 ranked ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� subjects placed in the world’s top 1% (within top 250 in the world), while four others placed in the world’s top 2% (within top 500).

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, industry income and patents. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 621–1,374 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� world rankings:

• Education: No. 126–150
• : No. 126–150
• : No. 176–200
• : No. 176–200
• : No. 201–250
• and : No. 301–400
• : No. 301–400
• Clinical and health: No. 301–400
• Engineering: No. 401–500
• : No. 501–600

Other rankings

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� also received these notable rankings:

• 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� placed No. 57 in the U.S. and in the No. 201–250 tier worldwide, September 27, 2023
• 2024 QS World University Rankings: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� placed No. 66 in the U.S. and No. 386 in the world, June 27, 2023
• Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� came in at No. 137 in the U.S. and No. 505 in the world, May 15, 2023
• 2023–24 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 24, 2023

For more information, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

Sixteen graduate programs at the have been nationally recognized for academic and research excellence, according to the , released on April 25.

Seven programs were ranked in the nation’s top 100, and five placed in the top 75. The (SOEST) ranked No. 42 for its earth sciences doctoral programs, the placed No. 49 for its doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program and No. 60 for best master’s nursing programs, the ranked No. 64 and the placed No. 72 in public affairs for its .

“At a time when many prospective graduate students are deciding which institution they will attend in the fall, these rankings demonstrate that ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is home to world-class academic programs across a vast range of disciplines,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “The consistent national recognition of ����ԴDz�’s excellence over the years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff.”

The rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence, and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students.

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these ����Vlog�ٷ� News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  College of Education  |  College of Social Sciences  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Engineering  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Natural Sciences

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

The in SOEST placed No. 42 out of 166 earth sciences doctoral programs considered. Students in the PhD program gain advanced knowledge, develop professional skills and learn cutting-edge methodologies through specialized coursework and by conducting research.

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing’s DNP program placed No. 49 among 169 schools considered in the newest U.S. News ranking. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� nursing is the only Hawaiʻi DNP program ranked by U.S. News since 2018. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� nursing also placed No. 60 out of 184 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

College of Education

The College of Education (COE) ranked No. 64 of 272 schools considered, the 18th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Social Sciences

The Public Administration Program in the College of Social Sciences ranked No. 72, up 16 spots from the previous year, out of 269 graduate programs considered. The ranking puts the program in the top third of all master’s of public administration programs in the country. The master’s of public administration program is the only one accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration in the state, and offers an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

Shidler College of Business

The rose 12 spots from last year to No. 77 out of 149 schools considered in the full-time master of business administration (MBA) category. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA programs in Hawaiʻi and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. ranked No. 90; placed No. 112; and ranked No. 124. The College of Engineering ranked in No. 168 among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The (OPHS) ranked No. 105 out of 206 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. OPHS offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . OPHS is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Natural Sciences

Graduate programs in the were ranked by U.S. News, including at No. 105, at No. 125, at No. 139 and at No. 161.

Law and medical school rankings were expected to be released, however, according to U.S. News and World Report, due to an unprecedented number of inquiries from schools during the initial embargo period and verification of publicly available data, the updated 2023–24 Best Medical Schools and 2023–24 Best Law Schools rankings embargo and publication will be released at a later date.

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

Students can receive hands-on training in sustainability and conservation efforts to become stewards of culture and environment thanks to a partnership between the and . A nonprofit organization, Kupu seeks to “empower youth to serve their communities through character building, service learning and environmental stewardship opportunities.”

Yvonne Yoro, a second-year graduate student in the program housed in the , had the opportunity to volunteer with Kupu for her practicum, which provided invaluable experience.

“Participating in Kupu’s programs is more than learning about conservation, sustainability and protecting ʻāina; it’s about learning more about yourself and building a foundational step that will lift you into your career,” said Yoro.

Yoro did her practicum with Kupu’s external affairs team, where she was able use her knowledge of nonprofit management and the relationships between public sector entities and nonprofits. She quickly learned that managing relationships between an organization and its stakeholders requires practice refining that specific skill set.

“My practicum intertwined my existing knowledge of Kupu and its programs with what I had learned at that point from my master’s program,” added Yoro. “As a participant and practicum student of Kupu, I was given so many opportunities that I would have never imagined receiving in such a short time. Participating in these programs helped reveal my interests and helped me identify the gifts I have and skills I can improve.”

Yoro, who is currently employed at Kupu, originally heard about the ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Master of Public Administration program through a co-worker.

“Participating and working at Kupu revealed many interests including my love for public service work and working in areas where policies evolve to protect what we love,” said Yoro. “The organization and the staff have encouraged me to continue pursuing what I love and I am very thankful that I continue to work with supportive people who allow me to challenge myself in different ways—including returning to school to complete my master’s degree.”

Student opportunities with Kupu

—Applications opening soon.
Positions are available at a variety of conservation, agriculture, technology and clean energy focused host sites throughout the islands of Hawaiʻi.

—Applications for 2023–24 are open.
This is a paid opportunity where participants are matched with a single conservation host site for the duration of the program, during which they learn and serve alongside conservation experts. Full-time positions are available in American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Hawaiʻi.

—Applications for 2023–24 are open.
Environmental Education Leaders are placed at one or more schools where they provide hands-on, work based learning opportunities that leverage Kupu’s relationships with environmental conservation agency partners.

—Continuing to accept applications.
HYCC summer program offers individuals an opportunity to gain restoration experience in a supportive team environment. Participants commit to a specific island and spend the summer months serving outdoors at various environmental organizations.

Nearly 40 University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� programs have been recognized among the nation’s best, according to the , released on March 29. This is the highest number of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� grad programs on the list since at least 2013.

The 2023 edition evaluates graduate schools on a variety of factors, including research activity, expert assessment scores, doctoral degrees awarded, acceptance rates, placement success, standardized test scores and grade-point averages of incoming students.

“We are gratified that many of our graduate programs continue to receive national recognition for their excellence. Hawaiʻi residents should take pride in knowing that one of the top universities in the world is located right here, educating future innovators, educators and leaders,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said.

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these ����Vlog�ٷ� News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  William S. Richardson School of Law  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Education  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

John A. Burns School of Medicine

The state’s only medical school, (JABSOM), ranked No. 24 in primary care and No. 74 in research out of 124 of the best medical schools in the nation. This is the third time in six years that JABSOM made the top 25 for primary care (No. 19 in 2016 and No. 24 in 2021). JABSOM also placed No. 31 for percentage of 2013–15 graduates practicing in primary care specialties. .

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 85 among 158 schools considered in U.S. News’s Best Nursing Schools. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Nursing is the only Hawaiʻi DNP program ranked by U.S. News since 2018. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Nursing also placed No. 80 out of 199 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

William S. Richardson School of Law

The was ranked in 15 categories by U.S. News. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s law school placed No. 91 out of 192 law schools considered in the full-time law category, and No. 21 out of 69 in the part-time law category for the school’s evening part-time law program.

Other rankings include:

• Environmental law: No. 26 out of 180
• Dispute resolution: No. 56 out of 109
• International law: No. 67 out of 185
• Legal writing: No. 74 out of 186
• Criminal law: No. 90 out of 187
• Constitutional law: No. 93 out of 187
• Tax law: No. 95 out of 186
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 97 out of 187
• Business/corporate law: No. 103 out of 187
• Health care law: No. 108 out of 184
• Clinical training: No. 132 out of 173
• Intellectual property law: No. 141 out of 187
• Trial advocacy: No. 174 out of 187

Read more on the .

Shidler College of Business

The ranked No. 89 out of 134 schools considered in the full-time master of business administration category. Shidler’s part-time master of business administration program (global MBA, 36-month plan) placed No. 114, up from No. 152 in the previous year, among 278 part-time MBA programs that qualified for this ranking. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA programs in Hawaiʻi and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Education

The (COE) ranked No. 67 of 274 schools considered, the 17th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. ranked No. 98; placed No. 99; is No. 122; and , a joint program in the College of Engineering and , ranked No. 135. The College of Engineering ranked in the No. 152–200 tier among top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

Graduate programs in the were ranked by U.S. News, including (No. 95), (No. 100), (No. 132), (No. 135) and (No. 140).

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ’s ranked in the top 17% nationally of social work graduate programs, No. 51 out of 298. The department offers a (BSW) and (MSW), with specializations in child and family, behavioral mental health, gerontology, and health. The MSW and BSW degrees are offered through campus-based and , serving students on the neighbor islands of Hawaiʻi and Guam. The department also offers a .

The (OPHS) ranked No. 89 out of 195 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. OPHS offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . OPHS is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The in the ranked No. 88, up nine spots from the previous year, out of 270 graduate programs considered. The ranking puts the program in the top third of all master’s of public administration programs in the country. The master’s of public administration program is the state’s only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration accredited program, offering an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

In addition, the ranked No. 120 in the nation and the is No. 122.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

The in the placed No. 46 out of 162 earth sciences doctoral programs considered. Students in the PhD program gain advanced knowledge, develop professional skills and learn cutting-edge methodologies through specialized coursework and by conducting research.

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

These rankings serve as examples of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

Several of the best graduate programs in the nation are at the , according to U.S. News and World Report’s , released on March 30.

The 2022 edition evaluates graduate schools on a variety of factors, including research activity, expert assessment scores, acceptance rates, placement success, standardized test scores and grade-point averages of incoming students.

Jump to program rankings:
John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  William S. Richardson School of Law  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Education  |  College of Engineering  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

“Rankings across specific disciplines can play a major role in a student’s decision to attend a particular university. The U.S. News and World Report’s rankings reflect ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s excellence across many of our graduate programs, further evidence of our status as one of the world’s great research universities, providing a wide range of opportunities for our students,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said.

John A. Burns School of Medicine

The state’s premier medical school, (JABSOM) ranked No. 24 in primary care and No. 64 in research out of 123 of the best medical schools in the U.S. This is the second time in five years that JABSOM made the top 25 (No. 19 in the U.S. in primary care in 2016). JABSOM also placed No. 35 for diversity and No. 31 for percentage of 2012–14 graduates practicing in primary care specialties. .

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� ‘s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 68 among 163 schools considered in the U.S. News and World Report‘s Best Nursing Schools. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Nursing is the only Hawaiʻi DNP program ranked by U.S. News and World Report since 2018.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Nursing also placed No. 69 out of 220 schools for best master’s nursing programs, consistently ranking in the top 30% nationally since 2018.

William S. Richardson School of Law

The , ranked No. 98 among 193 American Bar Association-accredited law schools. The school’s environmental law program ranked No. 24 out of 181 programs and the evening part-time law program ranked No. 28 out of 70. .

Shidler College of Business

The ’s part-time master of business administration program (global MBA, 36-month plan) ranked No. 152 among 273 part-time MBA programs that qualified for the ranking. Shidler’s part-time MBA program is the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA program in Hawaiʻi and one of the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Education

The (COE) ranked No. 80 of 277 schools considered, the 16th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. The college also remains at the top for funded research, securing $19 million in contracts and grants in 2020. Nationally accredited since 2000, the COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

In 2021, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, faculty, staff, students and alumni won national awards for art education, academic advising and world language teaching; secured funding for computer science and math education as well as the history of education in Hawaiʻi; and were selected for teacher fellowships and promoted to rector of a university.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. ranked No. 84; , a joint program in the College of Engineering and ranked No. 105; placed No. 107; and is No. 139. The College of Engineering ranked in the No. 154–202 tier among top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees. .

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The (OPHS) in the placed No. 123 out of 188 U.S. doctoral programs ranked. The two programs are a , which specializes in community-based and translational research, and a , which has been in high demand in COVID-19. OPHS is also home to growing and programs, and is developing an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The in the ranked No. 95 out of 285 graduate programs considered. The master’s of public administration program is the state of Hawaiʻi’s only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration accredited program, offering an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

In addition, for doctoral programs in the U.S.,the ranked No. 95 in the nation, the placed No. 97 and the is No. 103.

College of Natural Sciences

The Library and Information Science Program in the ’ ranked No. 31 in the nation out of 55 graduate programs considered by U.S. News and World Report. The Library and Information Science Program leads the nation in producing Native Hawaiian librarians.

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

The in the placed No. 89 out of 157 doctoral programs in the nation. The also ranked No. 92 out of 146 doctoral programs considered.

Other rankings

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� has also received these notable rankings:

• ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� among world’s best in multiple subject areas by 2021 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by subject, March 3, 2021
• Elite international rankings in 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject, October 27, 2020
• High national ranking in U.S. News and World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings, September 14, 2020
• ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� in top 1% of worldwide universities by the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, September 2, 2020

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

These rankings are examples of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF) and (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

As the COVID-19 pandemic amplifies the importance of effective public service, the Public Administration Program (PUBA) in the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s will accept applications through August 1 for the 2020–21 academic year.

PUBA is the only accredited and ranked (No. 101 out of 274) program in Hawaiʻi that offers a master of public administration professional degree, which is similar to a master of business administration degree.

There is no Graduate Management Admission Test or Graduate Record Examination requirement to apply. Flexible evening class schedules are designed for working professionals.

“The public administration program has been educating public service leaders for over 30 years,” said College of Social Sciences Dean Denise Konan. “The skills and tools the program gives students are especially needed right now, not only in the public sector but in the nonprofit sector as well.”

May 3–9, 2020 is National Public Service Recognition Week.

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—By Lisa Shirota

Several programs received high marks from in its recently-released rankings.

The 2021 edition evaluates graduate schools on a variety of factors, including research activity, expert assessment scores, acceptance rates, standardized test scores and grade-point averages of incoming students.

“We are gratified that the U.S. News and World Report rankings affirm the excellence that ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� graduate programs continue to achieve in a wide range of disciplines. The national recognition is a testament to the efforts of our faculty, staff and students,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said.

John A. Burns School of Medicine

The (JABSOM) ranked No. 56 in primary care out of approximately 180 best medical schools in the U.S. JABSOM is rated higher than Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, University of California-Irvine and University of California-Riverside. In the research category, JABSOM ranked No. 62, tied with the University of Arizona-Tucson, University of Kansas Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

In addition, the medical school led the nation the past five years in producing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander physicians, and has a larger proportion of faculty who are women than 91 percent of other medical schools, according to data recently released by the Association of American Medical Colleges. .

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The ranked No. 74 among 170 schools considered in the doctor of nursing practice rankings. U.S. News also ranked ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� nursing No. 99 out of 173 schools, for best online graduate nursing programs in 2020. In fall 2019, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has reaccredited the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� master’s and doctor of nursing practice, and nursing baccalaureate degree programs through 2029.

William S. Richardson School of Law

The state’s premier law school, , ranked No. 96 among 205 American Bar Association-accredited law schools, tied with University of South Carolina, and ahead of Syracuse University, Seattle University and California Western School of Law. The school’s environmental law program ranked No. 30 out of 190 programs and the part-time law program ranked No. 31 out of 75.

The law school remains in the nation’s top tier, with one of the best ratios of students per faculty at 4.5, good for No. 5 in the nation. .

Shidler College of Business

The part-time master of business administration program (global MBA, 36-month plan) at the is ranked No. 106 among 272 part-time MBA programs that qualified for the ranking. The part-time MBA program is the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited program in Hawaiʻi and one of the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Education

The continues to be ranked among the best graduate schools in the nation. The college ranked No. 69 of 255 schools considered, tied with University of California-San Diego, and ahead of University of California-Santa Cruz and Colorado State University.

For the past 15 years, the college has been among the top 100 education programs and remains at the top for funded research, securing more than $19 million in contracts and grants in 2019.

Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education is recognized for its programs throughout the year. Most recently, the BEd in special education (SPED) was featured in a 2020 Best Colleges list by GradReports and the MEd in SPED was cited for best stipend availability by Intelligent.com. In the same publication, the MEdT in secondary education was listed as one of the best field-based programs and the MEd in learning design and technology was among the highest for alumni recommended.

College of Social Sciences

The at the ranked No. 101 out of 275 public administration programs considered. The master’s of public administration program is the state of Hawaiʻi’s only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration accredited program, offering an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

For more information on rankings, visit .

—By Marc Arakaki

India has emerged as a major democracy with a strong military. That is one of the key messages in a new book, Hard Realities: India, Pakistan, China in an Emerging New World, by University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� Professor Amarjit Singh.

Singh’s book places India’s military relationship with China and Pakistan in the perspective seen by mainstream India.

Hard Realities was published in the U.S. by Lancer Publishers in Atlanta, Ga., under arrangement with Lancers Publisher & Distributors in New Delhi. It is available through Amazon in hard copy and Kindle, and from Google in e-books.

Singh is a professor in the at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� and a cooperating faculty in the public administration program in the .

The (ASCE) awarded University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� professor Amarjit Singh the 2019 Construction Management Award at the annual ASCE Construction Institute Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The prestigious award, presented in March, is given once a year for “innovation and research aimed at improving construction around the globe.”

Awarded by a large field of accomplished professionals and researchers, the accolade is granted on the basis of outstanding contributions to the field of construction management as a practitioner, educator or researcher either in the form of written presentations, scholarly work or notable performance.

Singh was chosen for his many achievements in different countries, his publications on innovative and pioneering topics, and his cutting-edge research on mitigating wave energies in harbors and monitoring distress in airport pavements.

Singh is the recipient of nine Best Paper awards and was a 2009 recipient of the University of Hawaiʻi’s highest teaching honor—the Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Medal.

In addition to his present position as professor of civil engineering, Singh is cooperating graduate faculty in the at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�. He is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction.

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� presents a free public lecture, “Confessions of an Enemy of the People: Media in the Age of Trump,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist , Wednesday, January 30 at 7 p.m. in the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Architecture Auditorium.

Henican is a New York Times bestselling author and a popular cable-news pundit. He is also the voice of Stormy on the hit Cartoon Network series Sealab 2021. His dozen books include TRUMPITUDE: The Secret Confessions of Donald’s Brain.

Henican is a regular commentator on national talk and news shows. As a longtime political correspondent, he offers an inside view of the changing news media and its contentious relationship with the Trump White House.

He is prepared to speak about the ongoing government shutdown and prospects for resolution, on the political impasse over immigration reform and the border wall, on the administration’s prospects in a divided government and even on Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s presidential prospects.

����Vlog�ٷ� and community sponsors include: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Better Tomorrow Speaker Series, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hawaiʻi Publishers Association, Scholars Strategy Network, Society of Professional Journalists Hawaiʻi Chapter, and the .

The (PUBA) in the at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� has been awarded accreditation from the (NASPAA). Accredited for a period of seven years, PUBA joins NASPAA’s expansive network of more than 195 accredited graduate programs in public service that span the United States and 14 countries.

NASPAA accreditation is the global standard for graduate-level public service education and involves a rigorous peer-review process open to programs across the globe. The process requires years of self-study, peer review, and a demonstrated commitment to mission, public service values, student learning, and continuous improvement. Accredited programs are leaders in public service education, graduating public servants that connect knowledge to practice and impact public service across sectors.

“This accreditation now formally establishes the PUBA Program at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� as the leader in training public service leaders in Hawaiʻi and the Asia Pacific Region,” said Hawaiʻi State Representative Roy Takumi, a PUBA alumnus and long-standing member of its advisory board.

Energizing institutions and increasing leadership

PUBA, which was commended by NASPAA for its strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and the traditions of Hawaiʻi, is a graduate-level program dedicated to energizing public institutions and organizations, enriching civic culture, and increasing leadership capacity through teaching, research and service in Hawaiʻi, the continental U.S. and in the Asia Pacific region. It is committed to building organizational and community collaborations for creative problem-solving and fostering connections between participants and change agents.

Hawaiʻi’s diversity and mixture of cultural traditions offer a rich setting for developing leadership styles. The program brings together participants from a variety of backgrounds to share experiences, uses collaborative teaching to view issues from different perspectives, emphasizes active engagement in classes and continuously applies theory to practice.

“Since 1984, the mission of the Public Administration Program has been to build public leadership, and we have produced more than 600 graduates who work in and contribute to Hawaiʻi’s communities every day. The accreditation of the PUBA Program is recognition of what we have always known—that our students and alumni are a vibrant, effective and relevant force for the public good in Hawaiʻi, across the nation and in the Asia Pacific region,” said Morgen Johansen, associate professor and PUBA director.

PUBA is the only Master of Public Administration Program in Hawaiʻi to be accredited by NASPAA. It currently enrolls nearly 50 students, and hosts a large alumni network of working professionals in federal, state and local public and nonprofit organizations, and international government and non-governmental organizations.

—By Lisa Shirota

Associate Professor Jason Levy is serving as the principal investigator on a two-year, $1.6 million grant from the to promote business resilience and public-private sector partnerships in Hawaiʻi. Levy is teaming with Ross Prizzia, professor of public administration and director of  at ����Vlog�ٷ� West Oʻahu, to develop timely and valuable solutions for business continuity planning and disaster management.

The proposal involves the planning and development of a business recovery center in Hawaiʻi to enhance disaster preparedness and create a robust business resilience network that strives for best disaster management practices and continuous improvement.

“The state of Hawaiʻi has urgent needs for both pre-disaster business continuity planning and post-disaster recovery actions due to its location, topography and demographics. As the most isolated population center in the world, transportation travel times and import costs to Hawaiʻi are significant. As well, Hawaiʻi is exposed to a wide range of natural, health-related and intentional threats (from hurricanes and tsunamis to active volcanoes and emerging infectious diseases),” Levy said.

• Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story:

Through this disaster resilience grant, Levy and Prizzia are working with government organizations and the private sector, as well as voluntary, faith-based, and community stakeholders active in disaster management. Their disaster resilience work includes developing a business recovery center annex to the State’s Emergency Operations Plan and Standard Operating Guide, including identifying and sizing emergency communications requirements to permit continuity of operations, as well as developing, coordinating, and performing industry outreach, training and exercises to support the disaster response and recovery capacity of large and small businesses in Hawaiʻi.

—By Leila Wai Shimokawa

, professor emeritus of and senior advisor to the dean on international and community programs for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , was awarded an honorary doctorate of public affairs and public management in a ceremony held at in Thailand.

“This award recognizes Dick’s on-going work in developing a long-term, productive relationship between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Khon Kaen University. We greatly value our enduring relationship with Khon Kaen and look forward to deepening this connection with one of Thailand’s leading public research university,” said , dean of the College of Social Sciences.

These relationships continue to build and reflect the college’s commitment to fostering strong international programs.

• ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa, the and Khon Kaen University have joined together to create a program that is anticipated to bring five Khon Kaen University faculty a year to the ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa campus to pursue their doctorates beginning fall 2016
• Mongolia’s National Academy of Governance and Germany’s Potsdam University joined participants from Hawaiʻi for an international conference exploring factors affecting the development of energy and mineral resources in Hawaiʻi, Mongolia and Germany. Papers from the conference, which was sponsored by ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa’s in partnership with the , can be found .

Khon Kaen University is a public research university. Established in 1964, it is the leading educational and learning center in the northeastern part of Thailand. Home to 40,000 students, Khon Kaen University offers 340 study programs including 101 undergraduate programs, 138 master’s programs, 77 doctoral programs and 24 graduate programs.

About Dick Pratt

Born and raised in Southern California, Pratt received a PhD in political science from ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa.

Pratt’s areas of research and application focus on change and innovation in public organizations, local level public leadership in Southeast Asia and Hawaiʻi’s energy independence initiative. He is the editor of Perspectives on the Development of Energy and Mineral Resources-Hawaiʻi, Mongolia and Germany; co-editor of Successes at the Local Level in ASEAN Countries and co-author of “Reflections on Leadership at the Local Level and the Future of Laos.”

Pratt has worked with a number of universities in Asia and North America and is a founding member of the International Association for Local Government.

He previously received an honorary doctorate from the National Academy of Governance in Mongolia for work there.

—By Lisa Shirota

For Foster Care Month, Susan Chandler, director of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , was interviewed on May 20 by Beth-Ann Kozlovich on The Conversation. The interview involved a general discussion of the current status of foster care in Hawaiʻi, including an update on where foster care programs are at today and recent legislation related to foster care.

Chandler also discusses issues related to foster care that have been addressed in recent years and issues that still need to be addressed.

HPR asked Chandler to join a panel on foster care on . This segment will air on May 22 Thursday, 5–6 p.m.

More on Susan Chandler

Susan Chandler is director of the Public Policy Center and a public administration professor at ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa. She is teaching courses in policy analysis, collaboration and grant writing and program evaluation.

Chandler has been an active researcher in the area of child welfare and is a board member on EPIC Inc. Ohana, Juvenile Delinquency Alternative Initiative and Protecting Hawaiʻi’s Ohana, Children Underserved, Elderly and Disabled. For the last two years, she has been working with the Child Welfare Services Branch of the Department of Human Services to bring the wraparound process to Hawaiʻi with a pilot project called WRAP Hawaiʻi for high risk, foster youth involved in multiple agencies and has been consulting on Hawaiʻi Title IV-E waiver, which will bring WRAP to Hawaiʻi’s long-term foster youth.

Chandler also conducted research for the Department of Human Services reviewing the reimbursement rates (also called board and care rates) provided to resource care givers (formerly known as foster parents) in other states and that data was used to support the legislation passed this year to increase the rates in Hawaiʻi.