About UH Hilo

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Chancellor’s Message

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is a growing university of 4,000 students that offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional programs, as well as a number of carefully selected graduate programs.

We focus on student learning, with classes small enough to allow students to have the personal attention of PhD faculty who are active scholars in their fields. Our faculty regularly collaborate with students on research, internships and service projects, giving our students practical learning experiences. In fact, I think of UH Hilo as a “practical university,” one that prepares students well for meaningful and productive careers.

We have a richly diverse student population, with a unique blend of local, mainland and international students, all living and learning together in a harmonious and safe environment. The island of Hawaiʻi is one of the best places in the world to study environmental and marine science, astronomy, volcanoes, and sustainable agriculture, among other subjects. Our island also provides the perfect “living laboratory” to study indigenous and Hawaiian language and culture revitalization. There is a strong “sense of place” in these fields, and they all present opportunities for our graduates to make lifelong contributions to their own communities and help build a prosperous future.

Our expanding campus gives students an excellent learning environment. A new science and technology building has just opened, and new facilities for Student Affairs and the College of Hawaiian Language are under construction now.

On behalf of the UH Hilo ʻohana, I’m very pleased to welcome you to our campus and wish you every success in your educational endeavors.

Donald Straney

Chancellor