Honolulu, HI (June 21, 2011) – Hawai'i Pacific President Chatt G. Wright has been awarded the Pacific West Conference Presidential Achievement Award. The award has is given to presidents of PacWest institutions for their outstanding service to their college or university, and for their commitment to collegiate athletics.
About Chatt G. Wright
The contributions of a dedicated educator and community leader are measured in many ways – through the quality of leadership he provides, in his devotion to the students, staff and faculty of the university, and by the commitment and creativity he brings to strengthening the educational process.
By these measures, Chatt G. Wright, retiring president of Hawai'i Pacific University, has been an exceptional educational leader.
As one of the longest-serving private university presidents in the United States, Wright's career at HPU spans more than three decades, including his tenure as president of Hawai'i Pacific University for 35 years.
Wright helped develop Hawai'i Pacific University into a four-year, postsecondary institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the National League of Nursing, and the Council on Social Work Education.
Among his notable accomplishments have been the merger of Hawai'i Pacific with Hawai'i Loa College in 1992; an affiliation agreement with the Oceanic Institute in 2003; developing a robust intercollegiate athletics program that achieved five national championships; and establishing award-winning music and arts programs.
Today, Hawai'i Pacific University has gained an international reputation of diversity in higher education with more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, and 8,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world.
HPU continues to contribute to the economy and cultural diversity of the city and county of Honolulu and the state. Hawai'i Pacific University enhances the quality of higher education in the state and throughout the Pacific Region.
Wright's proud record of accomplishments provides a strong legacy that will continue to benefit students and community members for many years.
