Aloha kākou. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer break and is excited about the Fall 2024 semester. The PUBA program has changed a lot over the summer in both curriculum and new faces. First, the PUBA program has achieved global re-accreditation by the global accrediting body of graduate programs in public affairs (NASPAA) for another 7 years (through 2031). We are incredibly proud of this distinction and remain the only accredited MPA program in the state of Hawai‘i. Second, we will be introducing a new Graduate Certificate (GCERT) in Public Policy, effective Spring 2025, and currently accepting applications. This new 15-credit GCERT can be taken concurrently with the MPA for those students interested in public policy issues.
As for personnel, Dr. Morgen Johansen departed in May 2024 after 14 years with PUBA and currently resides and works in the state of Washington. In addition, our former program manager, Teana Motoyama, departed in June 2024 to enroll in a full-time teaching certification program. We wish both our former colleagues the best in their future endeavors.
Our new program manager, Sarah Amend, joined the PUBA team in July 2024 and has been busy preparing for the new cohort of students, as well as recruiting new students and marketing our program. She will be working actively with alumni and the Advisory Board to expand our reach throughout the community. Next, Dr. Gowun Park joined the PUBA team in August 2024. Her research and teaching specializations are in nonprofit management and public budgeting. We welcome both our new colleagues to the PUBA ‘ohana!
I look forward to working with the PUBA faculty, staff, and students to ensure we maintain the highest standards in our MPA and GCERT programs. Mahalo!