Chaminade University of Honolulu

Center for Teaching and Learning

Thought Leaders Talk AI, Tech Tools in Education

It was a day of learning, mentorship and inspiration.

Several Chaminade professors, staff members and administrators served as speakers at this year’s Conference for Catholic School Educators, held Jan. 31 at Sacred Hearts Academy.

Their presentations touched on everything from leveraging AI in the K-12 classroom to the unique identity and role of Catholic schools in the islands and nationally.

Tiffany Akiyama, an educational technologist at Chaminade’s Center for Teaching and Learning, focused her presentation on the power of combining curriculum development and technological tools to transform spaces for active student learning.

“I’ve had the incredible opportunity to help design and implement active learning spaces that are reshaping active learning at Chaminade,” said Akiyama, who delivered her talk with Dr. Scott Wylie, director of the Center for Education in Oceania at Chaminade.

They said redesigns focused on the importance of flexibility, collaboration and creativity.

“We took a fresh look at how students learn best and designed classrooms that adapt to them—not the other way around,” Akiyama said. Added Wylie: “Flexibility means students and faculty can move things around. Collaboration means fostering spaces where ideas can be built together. Creativity means giving students tools to express their thinking.”

Other Chaminade speakers at the conference included:

  • Dr. Katrina Roseler, associate professor of Education;
  • Dr. Denise Dugan, Education instructor
  • Dr. Allison Jerome, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students;
  • Andrew Ancheta, student engagement coordinator;
  • and Fr. Martin Solma, S.M., university chaplain and special assistant to the president.

Solma and Ancheta delivered a talk on Catholic education entitled “Those who Sow Generously, Reap Generously.”

They explored the ethos and identity of Catholic schooling, and spoke to educators on the importance of character development in young people.

In the AI talk, the Chaminade team underscored how AI-driven technologies are revolutionizing traditional teaching models and offered educators and stakeholders with practical and innovative strategies for integrating AI into today’s K-12 classrooms.

Faculty Honored for Excellence, Scholarship

The Faculty Institute wrapped up with honors for three faculty members who exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation and mentorship.

Generative AI. Classroom tech. Enhanced teaching tools.

Those were just some of the instructional trends and pedagogical approaches that Chaminade professors tackled Aug. 13 as part of a daylong Faculty Institute.

But the day wasn’t all talk.

In the final hour of the institute, three Chaminade faculty members were honored for their strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation, scholarship, and mentorship.

Nominated by students Trachelle Iwamoto ’26 and Ava Barclay ’26 along with Forensic Sciences lecturer Kari Inda, Criminology and Criminal Justice program Director Dr. Kelly Treece was awarded the Chaminade Excellence in Teaching Award.

Nominees said Treece, in the strong tradition of Marianist education, tirelessly pursues projects of social justice—inside and outside of the classroom—and instills those same values in her students and peers.

Faculty members gathered for their annual Institute at Eiben Hall.
Faculty members gathered for their annual Institute at Eiben Hall.

“I know I may just be a little voice compared to others who are nominating other extraordinary professors, but one voice can go a long way, and that is just one small token of knowledge that professor Kelly Treece has taught me,” wrote Iwamoto, in her nomination. “She has shown so much strength and grace, and has surpassed the expectation of teaching in the Marianist values.”

Relatively new to academia, Inda has been inspired by Treece’s dedication and passion to educate. “She knows how to keep her students wanting to learn,” Inda said. “She implements interactive assignments, and is constantly thinking about ways to improve her courses. I admire her consistency to always wanting to do better—and not just in the classroom—but as a person.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Steiger was honored with the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award.

In remarks at the Faculty Institute, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development Jim Heller Sutton said Steiger was selected for the award because of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and significant impact on the academic community at Chaminade University.

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An associate professor of Religious Studies, Steiger has presented his work internationally at conferences in Canada, Japan and Australia, further enhancing the reputation of Chaminade University across the broader academic community.

“Moreover, his commitment to sharing his expertise with the wider Catholic community in Honolulu through presentations to youth groups, Diocesan events and lecture series at St. Theresa’s Co-cathedral reflects his dedication to service and outreach,” said Sutton, who is also the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. “His contributions embody the spirit of the John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award, and we are proud to honor him for his outstanding achievements.”

Dr. Koreen Nakahodo was named as the recipient of the Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates values of collaboration, mentorship and teamwork.

Nakahodo called the award a true honor.

“I was touched and humbled to be recognized by my colleagues,” she said.

Honoring faculty members with these rewards has a longstanding tradition at Chaminade. Not only do they foster a sense of community, but the awards also underscore Chaminade’s commitment to excellence, best practices, professional development and a positive academic culture.

“The selection process was done by a representative group of faculty from each school,” Sutton explained. “Each group then completed scoring rubrics based on the strength of the nomination letters against categories that aligned with the award descriptions.”

Scholarship to Support Teacher Shortage

New Partnership to Address Teacher Shortage

Every state across the country is coming up with solutions to combat the teacher shortage, which many education officials describe as a severe crisis. For its part, Hawaiʻi introduced multiple incentives and retention efforts—from higher pay to student loan forgiveness—to attract new teachers, but more educators will still be needed in the near future.

To address the community’s needs, Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools have introduced their own new carrot: an innovative and community-focused teacher prep partnership that will provide 150 Muʻo Scholarships to educate, train and prepare aspiring teachers to lead Hawaiʻi’s classrooms.

Chaminade President Lynn Babington addresses new partnership with Kamehameha Schools.
Chaminade President Lynn Babington addresses new partnership with Kamehameha Schools.

“We are excited to announce this partnership with Kamehameha Schools, which directly addresses one of our most pressing community issues: a teacher shortage,” said Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington, during a press conference in the ceremonial chambers of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “By providing these scholarships, we’re removing barriers that too often hinder many working adults in the state from  obtaining a bachelor’s degree while still maintaining family and work commitments.”

The new partnership will provide full-tuition scholarships, and aligns with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s “Ready Keiki” program, which aims to create universal preschool access for all of Hawaiʻi’s 3- and 4-year-olds by 2032.

“Ready Keiki is a commitment by the State of Hawaii to provide access to early education,” Lt. Gov. Luke said. “In order to do that, it wasn’t just the state of Hawaii leading the charge. We needed partnership from many of the departments, all the counties and many of our private philanthropic partners, including Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University.”

Beginning Fall 2023, Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools will offer 50 students full-tuition Muʻo Scholarships to Chaminade’s online bachelor’s program to become teachers here in Hawaiʻi, prioritizing early learning. This enrollment will continue for two additional years for a total of 150 funded scholarships as a partnership through KS Kaiāulu, a new way for Kamehameha Schools to impact keiki and ʻohana in the kaiāulu (community) alongside community partners.

Dr. Wai’ale’ale Sarsona believes every keiki should have access to early learning.

“Every keiki should have access to early learning, which provides a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning,” said Dr. Waiʻaleʻale Sarsona, vice president of Hiʻialo at Kamehameha Schools. “We are committed to help make this vision a reality, and this latest partnership with Chaminade University will bring Hawaiʻi closer to achieving this goal.”

Chaminade University’s online bachelor’s degree program is designed for working adults in Hawai‘i who may already be serving as a teacher’s aide or, currently, in a similar position. The online delivery format will allow students to continue working while pursuing their bachelor’s degree. Program information is available and applications for the scholarships are being accepted. This transformative program is 100 percent online, with a requirement to complete a student-teaching track. Students will be paired with an academic advisor to guide them on the road to graduation.

Applications are open to all Hawaiʻi residents with additional consideration extended to those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Recruitment and admittance priority will also be given to early childhood education applicants.

Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools are institutions that value education and understand how teachers—at the early stages of childhood—have a positive impact on kids, their families and the community-at-large. This partnership is a testament to their commitment.

“This is a great day when we’re announcing this partnership, thanks to Chaminade University, thanks to the efforts of Kamehameha Schools,” said Lt. Gov. Luke. “We have found a way to fill that (teacher) void; and found the pathway to filling these classrooms with qualified teachers, qualified teaching assistants.”

Watch the KITV news coverage.

Watch KHON2’s news coverage.

2022 Faculty Awardees

Three faculty members were recently honored for their outstanding contributions to academic scholarship, teaching excellence and creating a community that embraces teamwork at Chaminade.

Tracy Trevorrow

Psychology Professor Dr. Tracy Trevorrow was recognized with the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award for his tireless pursuit of knowledge and his novel approaches to research that not only seek to build on broader psychological work but on his own clinical practice.

In fact, Trevorrow’s strategy for committing to research projects is three-fold: He looks for work consistent with the direction of his past works, that will help address a gap in literature, and that is novel and broad enough to maximize the likelihood of noteworthy findings.

Trevorrow previously was awarded the Excellence in Scholarship Award in 2007.

A colleague who nominated Trevorrow for the latest recognition said the professor’s timely, ever-evolving and dynamic approach to scholarship underscores his commitment to helping the field grow. His latest research focus includes studies of epilepsy, attention deficit disorder and applied psychophysiology along with behavioral sleep science and impacts on health.

As the nominator writes, psychology’s emerging interest in sleep could yield important findings applicable to a diversity of people and to a better understanding of overall physical and mental health.

Blendine Hawkins talking to a group of students

Meanwhile, this year’s recipient of the CUH Excellence in Teaching Award is Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Blendine Hawkins, who is director of Chaminade’s Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program. The recognition celebrates teaching that has “lasting, positive impacts on students, deepens student learning and demonstrates overall excellence in teaching at the university.”

Hawkins certainly ticks all those boxes, says Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Abby Halston.

In her nomination of Hawkins for the award, Halston said the professor seeks to assess students’ educational gaps in knowledge and skills—and then fill them. Hawkins is also a mentor to students as they seek to form their professional identities and develop an individualized pathway to their careers.

Indeed, Hawkins says her main passion for teaching is student empowerment.

With her undergraduate students, she seeks to help them critically analyze information, support their arguments with evidence, and develop into confident consumers of scholarly research. With her clinical master’s students, she challenges them to connect with clients while using best practices for effective care. And with her doctoral students, she demystifies each step of qualitative study design.

“Dr. Hawkins expects a higher level of performance from her students,” Halston said.

Sr. Malia Wong

Finally, Sr. Malia Wong received the inaugural Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award, which seeks to recognize a faculty member who demonstrates values of collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork. Those who nominated Wong for the honor said she embodies Chaminade’s mission in her work.

Most notably, Wong spearheaded the “Marianists and the Arts: A Sense of Spirit, A Sense of Place” program, which tapped into the talents of peers to connect hands-on learning with Chaminade’s early Marianist founders. Participants said they were able to share experiences with people across departments while engaging with Chaminade’s history and strong focus on public service.

A colleague who nominated Wong said she embodies the central values of the university and its embrace of social justice and inclusivity. Another nominator, Dr. Edna Magpantay-Monroe, said Wong “puts the school’s mission in the forefront of whatever she does in teaching, service and scholarship.”

She is also known for random acts of aloha—from gifting flowers to sweet treats to notes of encouragement (and brightening days along the way). As Magpantay-Monroe put it, “Sr. Malia’s collegiality is beyond emulating the Marianist and Native Hawaiian values. She is spilling her acts of kindness and responsibility beyond Chaminade … and into our island community.”

A Sustainable Campus

When Sister Malia Wong isn’t teaching, you’re likely to find her around campus gathering, protecting and identifying native plants.

The humanities professor has made it her mission to help heal those around her using traditional Hawaiian plants and medicine. From a friend battling cancer to a colleague suffering from a skin rash, Wong has a cure.

“My teacher, Kumu Levon Ohai from Kaua‘i, kahuna la‘au lapa‘au, taught me an important lesson,” says Wong. “The creator provides us with everything we need.”

“Chaminade is a district of Kalaepohaku in the Kapalama ahupua‘a,” she continues. “On campus, everything that we need can be found right here. That’s what makes our campus so sustainable.”

Sister Malia Wong making natural ointments

But it’s not just about picking and using plants, it’s about having a relationship with them.

“If you don’t include prayer, attention and respect, then you’re just playing with plants,” says Wong as she rummages through a bag of tinctures and ointments. “It’s about having the interrelationship with the plants that makes it so special. Our plants speak to us, and share their stories with us.”

She pulls out a mason jar full of naupaka leaves that she collected from upper campus soaking in coconut oil. “This is a great natural sunscreen. You can take the plant and rub it on yourself to protect your skin from the sun.”

Wong is constantly sharing her knowledge and gift with the rest of campus and those around her—from stocking the Center for Teaching and Learning with homemade loose-leaf teas for her colleagues, to hosting a mini weekend-long summer institute workshop for the public, to teaching classes and collaborating with other professors on curricula. Her office is full of plant tags and stakes that she plans to use to label plants around campus. She’s even created an online database and a campus map identifying all of the native plants, including those of other traditions, that have medicinal uses.

Last year, in her environmental ethics class, her students got really involved in protecting the native foliage in the oval at the entrance to campus. Professors from other departments have also expressed interest in partnering, including an English professor who wanted to share Hawaiian lore about plants with students. Even participants in this year’s Montessori summer institute became involved, with groups of visiting teachers searching for and learning to identify native plants around campus.

“We all have this interconnectedness with everything,” says Wong. “And we have the wisdom of our elders within us. Why not just remember we are all a part of this earth? If we balance ourselves with nature, then we’ll be okay.”

Center for Teaching and Learning

Dr. Janet Davidson knew Chaminade’s Center for Teaching and Learning was doing something right when one of the University’s longest-serving faculty members showed up for a seminar on how to create more engaging online courses.

Center for Teaching and Learnin“We are a teaching university,” said Davidson, who took on the University’s newly created role as associate provost for academic affairs in 2017. “Our faculty really want to improve the delivery of their material to their students. There’s a hunger for it.”

In fact, some 82 percent of full-time faculty and adjunct lecturers at Chaminade participated in some type of programming at the center within the first two years, through Sept. 30, 2017. Offerings ranged from structured courses to leisurely learning tours.

In her administrative role, Davidson oversees the center and other faculty development opportunities along with institutional accreditation. She’s also held onto her position as a criminology and criminal justice professor — it was important for her to keep a foot in the classroom “to remember what it means to have those daily deliverables.”

Under her leadership, the Center for Teaching and Learning has moved to a permanent space, expanded programming and brought on new team members.

Dr. Mary Therese Perez Hattori, center director, started in September 2017 after previously serving as outreach director at the University of Hawai‘i at Manōa’s Center for Pacific Islands Studies and in faculty development at Kapiolani Community College.

Hattori said she’s been heartened by the drive among Chaminade faculty — across academic fields and at all stages of their careers — to improve their teaching practice.

“To me, that’s remarkable,” she said.

Davidson agrees, and said the center, whose programming is all geared around how to help students achieve, has become a special place for faculty on campus.

“As faculty members … you are trained in your discipline, but not in the art of teaching,” she said. The center “is really a place that faculty can come together for both formal and informal activities — reflect on their own practices and struggles.”

Center for Teaching and LearningThe center offers a host of seminars, including those on culturally appropriate teaching, student engagement, and improved testing. It also offers grant-writing support and hosts faculty-led talks that have covered everything from how to use social media as a teaching tool to the power of service learning and study abroad in engaging students.

The center actually formally launched at Chaminade in 2015. It’s been growing steadily since then, and got a permanent space in January 2017.

Dr. Helen Whippy, Chaminade Provost, said the center also practices what it preaches. Hattori and her team are always looking to build on their own skills to improve professional development programming and they’re seeking out new ways to further Chaminade’s vision and to bolster student achievement.

“We know that the more faculty development there is, the better the academic outcomes for our students will be,” Whippy said. “Our goal is not only to help better prepare today’s students, but ensure we’re continually improving teaching practice at Chaminade to be ready for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.”

For Davidson, the next priorities for the center are expanding professional development offerings around “culturally sustaining” teaching and learning and looking for ways to measure the impact of professional development on student success.

At the core of all the work the center does, she added, is an appreciation that Chaminade faculty share a common goal: To help students thrive. “There truly is a sense of ‘ohana here,” she said. “Faculty and staff really try to live up to the mission.”