The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu inaugurated 2026 by welcoming interim Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza and celebrating the institution’s 50th anniversary at its annual Spring Convocation on Jan. 8.
Approximately 200 faculty and staff members gathered to hear from Peñaloza and Vice Chancellors Harald Barkhoff (Academic Affairs), Dee Uwono (Student Affairs), and David McDonald (Administrative Affairs), who provided highlights from the past year and outlined expectations for the year ahead.
Dr. Manu Aluli Meyer, Konohiki for Kūlana o Kapolei, formally welcomed Peñaloza, thanking him for “stepping forward.” As he takes the helm of both Leeward Community College and UH West O‘ahu, she offered a blessing: “May your health be sustained, may your humor deepen, and may we see your humanity in every living decision that you (make).”
Peñaloza introduced a phased two-year roadmap, beginning with Phase 1’s foundational work and achieving initial gains, and then a deeper integration and long-term planning in Phase 2. To guide this process, he is establishing a cross-campus Advisory Group featuring representatives from faculty, academic administration, student services, and staff.
“I am committed to celebrating the legacy and history of both colleges while innovating to create lifelong learning opportunities that meet our students’ local needs,” Peñaloza said in his first formal remarks as interim chancellor of UH West O‘ahu. His initial charge is to collaborate with faculty and staff across both institutions to evaluate a more integrated regional campus model that prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and student success.
Peñaloza opened with anecdotes from his own collegiate journey and concluded by pledging to help students avoid the pitfalls he once faced. He emphasized a commitment to student achievement and strengthening the pipeline between Leeward Community College and UH West O‘ahu.
“Organizationally and in terms of the student experience, we can do so much more to make that transition smoother and to support each other’s enrollment needs and missions,” he said.
To see photos from the event, visit the Spring 2026 Convocation album on Flickr.
This event is one of the “50 Acts of Pueo Pride” — events highlighted as part of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu’s 50th anniversary in 2026.