About Us

A dedicated program of Faculty Professional Development began in 2008 with the founding of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), initiated by faculty member Brenda Machosky, Assistant Professor of English, with the support of Chancellor Gene Awakuni and seed funding from an existing Title III grant. As a voluntary service project, the CTLE began as a means of supporting faculty as teachers, providing a venue for pedagogical discussions, and developing classroom-focused research on teaching. The CTLE enhanced its offerings as the project was gradually institutionalized under the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. With Title III support, faculty attended pedagogical conferences and shared their experiences on campus. Professional Development became integrated with other entities on campus, including Distance Education and new Title III grants that included Pili`āina, a cultural experience for faculty and staff to begin each academic year.

In 2015, given the growth of UHWO, the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs invested additional resources for professional development.  Faculty member Amy Nishimura served as Coordinator of Professional Development, conceptualizing and implementing a faculty mentoring program, Brown Bag series, and informational panels related to contract renewal and tenure and promotion.

In 2017, the CTLE and PD became OPDAS, the Office of Professional Development and Academic Support, as its mission expanded to support non-instructional faculty and staff. In 2019-20, OPDAS offered a full slate of programs with the support of a half-time faculty position. In 2020-22, Gloria Niles, who also served as the Director of Distance Education, became the OPDAS Coordinator and held distance education trainings and interactive opportunities to bolster a collegial environment for staff and faculty during the pandemic.