Faculty & Staff Highlights - January 2026

Matt Kalahiki, Associate Director, Campus Center; Acting Director, Student Life Center, DSA

Matt joined UH Hilo in 2013 as a casual hire with Upward Bound, then hired at Campus Center as a half-time casual hire in July 2015. He is currently Associate Director of the Campus Center and Acting Director of the Student Life Center. His Campus Center duties include: strategic leadership and oversight for Campus Center programs, supervise professional and student staff while aligning operations, budgets, and initiatives with institutional priorities and student development goals, advance student leadership and engagement by advising Chartered Student Organizations (CSOs), like the UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA-Student Government), champion student advocacy and collaboration by partnering across campus to strengthen student services, enhance campus culture, and support inclusive, student-centered programming. His SLC duties include: lead administrative planning and coordination, oversee communication workflows, policy alignment, and operational planning to support effective service delivery and institutional goals, guide strategic initiatives and operational improvements, including facility projects, wellness and recreation programming, and cross-campus collaborations that enhance student wellbeing and belonging.

“I would like to nominate Matt Kalahiki for Staff of the Month in recognition of his truly outstanding contributions to our students and the entire UH Hilo ʻohana. Matt is the embodiment of someone who consistently goes above and beyond—far exceeding the expectations of his role and uplifting everyone around him through his commitment, compassion, and aloha. Matt treats every student, staff, and faculty member like family. His warm, welcoming presence creates a sense of belonging that is felt across campus. Whether he is advising students and supporting them on their paths to success, managing the Campus Center as Associate Director, or overseeing the Student Life Center as Acting Director, Matt approaches every responsibility with humility, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Matt is truly an exceptional individual whose contributions enrich our campus every single day. His positive impact, leadership, and aloha spirit make him an invaluable member of the UH Hilo ʻohana, and I cannot speak highly enough of the profound difference he makes in our community.” Nominated by Alana Ortiz, Institutional Research