University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Chancellor Maenette K. P. Ah Nee-Benham has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
The AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development, according to AASCU.
“We are thrilled Chancellor Benham will serve on the AASCU Board of Directors,” said Dr. Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. “She is a strong advocate for student success, and we look forward to seeing her use a national stage to advocate for the needs of the more than 3 million students AASCU members serve.”
The AASCU membership elected Benham at its annual conference, held on Nov. 19 in Puerto Rico. Benham, who will serve a three-year term through 2027, said she is honored to serve on the board.
“The AASCU is a particularly important organization as their mission aligns with a kuleana of UH West O‘ahu, which is to ‘empower these stewards of place to catalyze economic and social mobility’ (AASCU),” Benham said. “Both UH West O‘ahu and UH Hilo are members of AASCU along with our cousin, the University of Guam, so I have the opportunity to bring the culture and values of Pasifika to this important national table.”
At the conference, Sam Houston State University (Texas) President Alisa White was also elected chair of the Board of Directors by AASCU membership, and Oakland University (Michigan) President Ora H. Pescovitz was named chair-elect. In addition to Benham, four other new members were elected to the Board of Directors: Kelli R. Brown, chancellor, Western Carolina University (North Carolina); Alberto J.F. Cardelle, president, State University of New York at Oneonta; Bennie L. Harris, chancellor, University of South Carolina Upstate; and Jann L. Joseph, president, Georgia Gwinnett College.
Qualifications for board members include extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in higher education; a commitment to and understanding of AASCU’s mission, vision, and its member institutions; savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals; and personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving AASCU institutions. Board member responsibilities specifically include the broad leadership, governance, and oversight of AASCU.