The University of Hawaii - West Oahu (UHWO) stands as a dynamic public institution within the renowned University of Hawaii system, located in Kapolei on the island of Oahu. Established in 1976 as a two-year campus and transitioning to a four-year baccalaureate-granting university in 2007, with full operations in its permanent campus beginning in 2012, UHWO is committed to providing accessible higher education to the diverse communities of West Oahu. Serving a predominantly Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian student body, the university emphasizes place-based learning, cultural relevance, and social mobility. For professionals seeking jobs at University of Hawaii - West Oahu, the institution offers a supportive environment where teaching, research, and community engagement intersect to foster student success.
UHWO's mission revolves around liberal arts education with professional programs in fields like business administration, education, health sciences, and social sciences. This focus shapes the types of jobs available, from faculty positions that blend innovative pedagogy with research to administrative roles supporting student services and sustainability initiatives. The campus's strategic location near Honolulu provides access to urban resources while maintaining a serene, modern facility designed for collaborative learning.
Jobs at University of Hawaii - West Oahu span faculty, staff, and leadership roles. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, assistant professors, associate professors, and non-tenure-track lecturers. Tenure-track roles involve teaching, research, and service, while lecturers focus primarily on instruction. Staff positions cover academic advising, student success coordinators, IT support, and facilities management. Research roles, such as postdoctoral researchers and research assistants, support grants in areas like environmental science and cultural studies. Administrative jobs include department chairs and deans. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Current openings often include positions in the College of Arts and Humanities, School of Education, and new programs in cybersecurity and public administration. Salaries are competitive within the UH system, with benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
To secure faculty jobs at UHWO, candidates typically need a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in their discipline from an accredited institution. For example, a PhD in Sociology is required for social sciences faculty, while a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) suits health roles. Lecturer positions may accept a master's degree with significant teaching experience. Administrative roles like academic advisors require a bachelor's degree minimum, often with a master's preferred. Research positions demand at least a master's, with PhDs favored for independence.
UHWO prioritizes candidates who can contribute to its designation as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), valuing degrees that align with serving underrepresented populations.
Research at UHWO centers on applied projects addressing Hawaii's unique challenges, such as climate change impacts on Pacific islands, Native Hawaiian health disparities, and sustainable tourism. Expertise in interdisciplinary areas like environmental justice, indigenous knowledge systems, and data-driven policy analysis is highly sought. Faculty are expected to secure external funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or Keck Foundation, and collaborate with the UH system's research centers.
Examples include studies on aquaculture sustainability or cultural revitalization, often involving community partners. Research assistants support these by collecting data, analyzing qualitative interviews, or modeling ecological impacts using tools like R or GIS software.
Employers at UHWO favor candidates with 3-5 years of higher education teaching, especially at open-access institutions. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and grant experience (e.g., $50,000+ awards) strengthen applications. Community involvement, such as volunteering with Hawaiian cultural organizations or prior work at minority-serving institutions, is a plus. For admin roles, experience with student retention programs or accreditation processes like those from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is preferred.
Essential skills include strong communication for diverse classrooms, cultural humility to engage Native Hawaiian students, and digital literacy for hybrid teaching via platforms like Zoom and Blackboard. Research competencies encompass grant writing, statistical analysis (e.g., SPSS), and ethical research with indigenous communities. Soft skills like adaptability to Hawaii's multicultural environment and collaborative problem-solving are critical. Leadership roles require strategic planning and budget management experience.
The application process begins on the UH Careers website (neogov), where you submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references. Diversity statements are required, highlighting commitment to equity. Interviews may include teaching demos and campus visits.
Actionable tips:
For lecturer roles, emphasize practical experience; see become a university lecturer.
Nestled in Kapolei, UHWO offers stunning views of the Pacific, with modern facilities including solar-powered buildings and green spaces. Employees enjoy 22 vacation days annually, sabbaticals after six years, and wellness programs like yoga classes and mental health support. Proximity to beaches and Honolulu allows surfing after work or family hikes on weekends. Campus life includes luau events, faculty mixers, and professional development workshops. Flexible hybrid schedules support family needs in Hawaii's relaxed culture, with low crime and strong community ties enhancing satisfaction.
Jobs at University of Hawaii - West Oahu provide meaningful careers in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or research, UHWO offers growth opportunities. Leverage higher ed career advice and check university jobs listings. Institutions like UHWO post openings on AcademicJobs.com—post a job if recruiting.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review of teaching, research, and service, typically 5-7 years.
Place-based learning: Education rooted in local Hawaiian contexts, integrating culture and environment into curriculum.
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI): U.S. college with 25%+ Hispanic enrollment, eligible for federal grants for underserved students.
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