First Dean appointed for UH School of Hawaiian Knowledge
Advertiser Staff
Maenette Kape'ahiokalani Padeken Ah Nee-Benham, Ed.D. has been appointed the first Dean of the newly established Hawai'inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at the University of Hawaii.
Benham, a Kanaka Maoli scholar and teacher, is currently a Professor in the Department of Educational Administration at Michigan State University. She obtained her doctorate in educational administration at UH Mānoa (1992), and is also a graduate of San Francisco State University (BA, 1978, Theatre Arts - Magna Cum Laude; MA, 1980, Theatre Arts).
The Hawai'inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge was created last year by merging the Hawaiian studies and language programs, and is the largest school of indigenous studies in the nation. Its establishment was a major step towards promoting the study of the Hawaiian language and culture, and preserving Hawai'i's host culture.