STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2001

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 784, 785

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 784 and 785, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

G.M. No. 784	TERRENCE GEORGE for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 785	WENDY HENSEL for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Terrence George and Wendy Hensel for service on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

TERRENCE GEORGE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Terrence George from the University of Hawaiʻi system and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. George's background and dedication to expanding educational opportunities for students qualify him for appointment as a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Your Committee notes that Mr. George is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the largest family foundation headquartered in the State. Mr. George has been part of the Foundation's executive management for over two decades, during which he led the Foundation to make significant investments into the State's higher education institutions. Mr. George's professional experience also includes serving for over a decade as the Program Officer for the Ford Foundation in the Philippines and India, where he oversaw grants to various universities and higher education partnerships in countries in Asia and North America, and in the United Kingdom. Mr. George is also active in his community, serving as the co‑chair of the Hawaii Business Roundtable and Education Task Force, and as a board member of the Hawaii P-20 Council and the HMSA Foundation. Your Committee further finds that Mr. George has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of commission members and his experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Your Committee therefore recommends that Terrence George be appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

WENDY HENSEL

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Wendy Hensel from two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hensel's background and commitment to advancing public higher education qualify her for appointment as a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Your Committee notes that Ms. Hensel has been serving as the President of the University of Hawaii System since January 2025. Ms. Hensel possesses more than twenty years of experience in higher education, including serving as the Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost of the City University of New York System, which is the largest urban public university in the nation; and in multiple roles at Georgia State University, including Senior Advisor to the President on Strategic Initiatives, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of the College of Law. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Hensel brings with her a clear articulation of values that center on student success and recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education across the Pacific region. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Hensel has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of commission members and her experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Your Committee therefore recommends that Wendy Hensel be appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair