Dean of Extension Education Named

May 22, 2001

Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen

Dr. Chang is a familiar face at Kamehameha Schools (KS) where prior to her work at PREL, she served as Associate Director for Kamehameha's outreach division (known as Community Education and Extension Education) for over nine years. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Hawai'i Schools/University Partnership, an educational consortium to which KS belonged, and was a Kamehameha elementary teacher, dorm advisor and tutor.

With more than 30 years of experience and training in systems management, program development, and overseeing multiple revenue sources, including large state and federal grants, Dr. Chang's expertise in managing and delivering quality and culturally compatible education services to K-12 and post-secondary populations will be invaluable to Kamehameha Schools.

Acting Chief Education Officer Dr. Michael Chun, who knows and has worked with Dr. Chang for several years, commented, "I am pleased to welcome Jeve back to Kamehameha. She has gained significant knowledge and expertise in designing and delivering education throughout the Pacific and I know she returns to KS with even greater skills and commitment to our mission."

KS Chief Education Officer Dr. Skip Hare shared via e-mail his excitement about the selection of the newest member of his administration. "Dr. Chang brings outstanding skills and experience to our leadership team and I am very much looking forward to working with her and the rest of the staff. As Kamehameha forges ahead with the implementation of the Strategic Plan, Dr. Chang will face the critical challenge of helping KS increase its reach to Hawaiian youth beyond the borders of our three campuses ñ a task I know she is anxious to tackle!" Terry Kelly, Chair of the Search Committee, stated that the committee felt strongly that "Dr. Chang has the skills, education and experience to oversee the Extension Education Division with great competence, commitment and compassion ñ and to lead our efforts to serve more and more Hawaiians in the future." Kelly also confirmed that the committee was very impressed with all four finalists and their commitment to Pauahi's vision. "Kamehameha is very fortunate to have such incredible talent in its immediate and extended 'ohana."

McCubbin also expressed praise for the committee's work and their selection of Dr. Chang. He also acknowledged the good work of Sharlene Chun-Lum who has served as the interim Dean of Extension Education while maintaining her role as the Principal of Summer Programs. "The Division has been through numerous transitions over the years, " McCubbin said, "and Sharlene has been an invaluable steadying force. We are very grateful for her support and leadership during this interim period." Chun-Lum will remain as interim dean until Chang comes on board. Dr. Chang is a Kamehameha graduate and holds a Masters and Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, and a Masters degree in Elementary Education from Boston University. She is married to Charlie Chang and has two children. In addition to Chairperson Terry Kelly, who is Director of the Safe and Drug Free Program, members of the Search Committee included:

Nu'ulani Atkins, Resource Specialist, Hawaiian Studies Institute
Alyssa Braffith, Counselor, Kamehameha Secondary School
Fred Cachola, Community Member, Alumni
Viola Cashman, Teacher, Department of Education, Maui
Charlene Hoe, Coordinator, Strategic Planning Enhancement Group
Wendel Kam, Counselor/Science Teacher, KS Hawai'i Campus
Jan Lindsey, Director, Kamehameha Talent Search
Teresa Makuakane-Drechsel, Director, Post-High Counseling
Donna Nakahara, Coordinator, Neighbor Island Resource Center, Kaua'i
Kauila Reyes, Community Member, Kupuna, Moloka'i
Anna Sumida, Director, K-3 Reading