The US Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent visited Chaminade University this past Tuesday, impressed by the innovations and programs that the University offers as well as the high caliber of instruction.
As a first-generation college student and a respected education policy expert with more than two decades of experience, Kent serves as the nation’s top federal official for higher education. As Under Secretary, Kent oversees the Department’s postsecondary education, career, technical, and adult education, and federal student aid programs. This includes managing the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio and the over $30 billion Pell Grant program.
During his three-hour visit to Chaminade, he met with the Montessori Preschool Lab School, Data Science, Analytics & Visualization Lab, the Nursing Simulation Center, the Interior Design Studio Lab, and the Forensic Sciences “Crime House” Lab. Each visit showcased the distinctiveness and rich experiences that Chaminade provides to students.
He also exchanged ideas with senior leadership of Chaminade during an informal lunch in the President’s Conference Room. Learning about Chaminade’s Catholic Marianist foundation and why being the only private Catholic institution of higher education in the Pacific is vital to our region was another highlight of his tour.
Provost Dr. Lance Askildson presented Kent with a gift from the University to commemorate the auspicious visit. The Chaminade community is thankful for his interest in our campus and programs during his visit to Hawai’i and looks forward to continuing the momentum of providing students the skills, knowledge and experience to further their careers and community.
