The Art of Connection

Colby Miyose, PhD, an associate professor of communication at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, has been awarded the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Professional Excellence Award. The honor recognizes Miyose as a dynamic educator and a dedicated community builder who has forged invaluable connections for students.

Family Ties

Professor Colby Miyose as a child with his father, Dean Miyose

A Hilo native and Waiākea High School graduate, Miyose sees the award as affirmation of his core mission.

“Connections and relationships matter to me,” said Miyose, whose drive to understand relational communication led him to earn both his BA and MA in Communications from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst—which he completed while already lecturing at UH Hilo.

His journey started long before he became a professor — back when he’d walk across the street from Waiākea after school to wait for his dad, Dean Miyose, to finish his shift as a university custodian. Fast forward a few years, and the father and son were working on campus at the same time before Dean’s retirement — cementing a family legacy at UH Hilo.

Dean jokes about his son — who holds a doctorate in Communications — having a “PhD in talking,” but the pride for his son is real. “Anytime he introduces me, he’s like, ‘This is my son. He’s a doctor,’” Miyose says with a laugh. “And I have to correct him and say, ‘I’m not that kind of doctor, though.’”

Creating Opportunities

In the announcement of his selection, the Chamber celebrated Miyose as one of “Hawaiʻi Island’s rising stars,” noting, “his leadership, vision, and ability to connect people across sectors exemplify the values of the Chamber.”

Professor Colby Miyose, who was recognized for his service and his work connecting UH Hilo students with business leaders

As co-chair of the Chamber’s Young Professionals Program, Miyose has launched free professional development workshops for students on financial literacy, conflict resolution, and more.

He also created the Chamber’s first-ever Student Speed Networking event that has become a bi-annual gathering, connecting students directly with local business leaders. Supported by the UH Hilo’s Chancellor’s Office, the event has already led to internships and job offers for students.

Having witnessed Miyose’s multifaceted contributions firsthand, Chancellor Irwin — who also serves as the Chamber’s Vice President — nominated him for the esteemed recognition. “Colby is a shining example of what service leadership looks like and we are so proud of his positive impact on our UH Hilo ʻohana and the greater Hawaiʻi Island community.”

Miyose co-directs UH Hilo’s LGBTQ+ Center and Women's Center, advises multiple student clubs, and serves on over 10 committees.

Professor Colby Miyose co-directs the UH Hilo LGBTQ+ Center, whose student volunteers are shown here at the annual Hilo Pride Festival

His colleagues have taken notice of his dedication. “Dr. Colby Miyose’s unwavering commitment to the local community is truly extraordinary,” says Dr. Jing Yin, Chair of the Communication Department. “His tireless effort to mentor our students and young professionals has been inspirational and invaluable.”

Ultimately, Miyose hopes the award illuminates a path for his students by creating more opportunities for connection with local businesses.

“If they can see that a local product can achieve these things, I think it’s inspiring,” described Miyose. “UH Hilo may be small, but the stuff we’re doing is top-notch.”

UH System Shines

That inspiring local achievement is reflected across all 2025 honorees. We extend our aloha and congratulations to Colby and fellow awardees Chelsey Chow (Young Professional of the Year), Cecilia Sakata (Community Service Award), and Kelsey Nakamura (Chamber Service Award)—all UH System graduates.