KAHULUI - No longer Maui Community College, the campus has a new name: the University of Hawaii Maui College.
The UH Board of Regents approved the name change at a Thursday meeting on Oahu. The change was made to "accurately represent the college's programs and services that now include 15 associate and two four-year baccalaureate degrees," according to a news release from the university.
MCC was the first community college in the university system to grant a four-year degree when the bachelor of applied science in applied business and information technology degree was approved in 2005. In May 2009, regents approved a second bachelor's degree of applied science in engineering technology.
"The change will allow the college to be more competitive in the recruitment of students locally, nationally and internationally, as it clearly identifies an institution where students can choose to earn a baccalaureate degree," said UH Maui College Chancellor Clyde Sakamoto.
"As the college expands its partnerships, two- and four-year offerings, and geographical reach, it has become apparent that prospective students are often unaware of the growing degree and career opportunities that we offer," he said.
Sakamoto said his college will continue to develop two- and four-year degree programs while remaining committed to an open admissions philosophy practiced throughout the University of Hawaii system.
The name change will be initiated immediately and be fully implemented in the 2010-11 academic year. Signs at the campus will be temporarily updated until permanent signs can be designed and constructed for the two major entrances into the campus in Kahului.
Similar sign changes are planned for the college's educational centers in Lahaina, Hana, Kihei, and on Molokai and Lanai, and will be made as money becomes available.
