A Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) scholar and teacher, Dr. Maenette Benham served as chancellor of the University of Hawai’i–West O’ahu for nearly a decade. The first female Native Hawaiian chancellor in the UH system, she sustained a commitment to authentic relationships (pilina) and advocated for indigenous knowledge. She oversaw the launch of the campus’ first STEM degree as well as new programs in creative media, cyber operations and a pre-nursing partnership with UH Mānoa to address workforce and community needs.
