National University System Announces Commitment to Hawaii; Chancellor Appoints Laurie Foster to Lead Hawaii Implementation.

HONOLULU -- The National University System, a not-for-profit assembly of independent institutions dedicated to fulfilling unmet educational needs, today announced its commitment to the state of Hawaii. Dr. Jerry C. Lee, chancellor of the National University System, appointed Laurie Foster as vice president of National University Hawaii. Dr. Lee commented, "We are committed to providing the people of Hawaii with innovative and relevant programs that fulfill the unique needs of the community. We believe that the educational resources and capabilities of the National University System will complement Hawaii's existing resources."

National's first priority is to establish Hawaii as a center of excellence for commercial diving by introducing the National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering in Oahu. Founded in 1967, National Polytechnic has educated more than 7,200 students through its Wilmington and San Diego locations. The college currently graduates close to 300 entry-level diving professionals per year in the fields of hyperbaric medical technology, non-destructive testing technology, underwater welding technology and marine technologies. Considered one of the most respected commercial diver-training centers in the world, National Polytechnic educates a workforce in high demand among offshore energy exploration, marine development industries and engineering firms throughout the world. According to Foster, "Kids in Hawaii grow up in the ocean and have tremendous water skills. National Polytechnic will present opportunities for them to build a career doing what they love. National Polytechnic divers trained in Hawaii will be among the best in the world. Where else to have a world-class commercial diving institution than in Hawaii?"

The National University System will also introduce National University Hawaii in Honolulu to provide additional innovative and relevant learning opportunities. The University is dedicated to addressing current unmet educational needs in the community, such as teaching and healthcare. National University recommends more individuals for credentials than any other single institution in California, and National graduates are recognized as some of the best educators in the state. Additionally, National will offer nontraditional education in fields such as Allied Health Sciences and Engineering Sciences focusing on job-specific degrees and professional training programs. According to Foster, "National University Hawaii is committed to building Hawaii's capacity in areas such as nursing and education where tremendous shortages currently exist. We will work to identify unmet needs and tailor National's programs to meet those needs."

Dr. Lee appointed Foster, who was born and raised in Hawaii, as vice president of National University Hawaii because of her professional and educational background, her understanding of the community's needs and her commitment to fulfilling those needs. Foster will oversee the establishment of all aspects of the National University System in the Hawaiian Islands. Her educational background includes a master's in business administration and a bachelor's in economics from Stanford University. Before joining the National University System, Foster was president of Ventures, LLC, where she assisted entrepreneurs in early stage ventures. Prior to that, Foster was CEO and president of hotU, an Internet service provider, and founder of Brew Moon Hawaii. She also has 15 years experience in management consulting for Mercer Management Consulting and Bain & Company. Her Hawaii community service includes the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Hawaii, board chair for the YWCA Hawaii, strategy advisor for the Hawaii Theatre Centre and the advisory board for the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program at Chaminade College.

About the National University System

The National University System is a not-for-profit assembly of independent institutions dedicated to fulfilling unmet educational needs. Each System entity is committed to providing innovative and relevant educational opportunities accessible to all. Together, these organizations create options for people seeking to enhance their future and to fulfill their personal dreams and ambitions. Founded in 2001, the National University System currently includes National University, National University Nevada, National University Hawaii, the National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering, Spectrum Pacific Learning Company LLC, National University Virtual High School, the California Medical Institute and the National University Center for Human Advancement. The National University System's headquarters are located in La Jolla, Calif.