Lahaina Education Center has new coordinator
LAHAINA — Dean Louie, the new coordinator of the Lahaina Education Center, recently spoke at a Rotary Club of Lahaina meeting.
Louie believes in higher education. He is a product of a traditional college education as well as non-traditional pathways, undertaking a Chef’s Apprenticeship in San Francisco and earning a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science through distance learning platforms.
As the new coordinator of the Lahaina Education Center, his role supports students in their academic journey, whether they are pursuing an academic degree, entering trade apprenticeships, seeking quick workforce development training or desire leisure, fitness or career exploration classes.
The center is an extension of the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) that provides hands-on services supporting UHMC students and staff in West Maui.
The outreach facility offers 2,800 square feet of classrooms, student study and conference space. It was established in 2006 to reduce the lengthy 50-mile round-trip commute to the main Kahului campus from Central Lahaina for those seeking education and skills training for our Maui industries.
In addition to supporting incoming UHMC students from high schools, the center’s staff is actively looking for ways to partner with the West Maui community to offer space for classes, lessons, training or civic events.