Former Molokai Student Pursues a Doctorate

Kanekoa Crabbe of Ho`olehua became one of six individuals admitted to the UH-Manoa Communication and Information Science (CIS) Ph.D. program.  This interdisciplinary program encompasses various fields of study such as communication, information technology, library and computer science.  Comprised of 27 students from around the world, the CIS program’s most notable alumni known locally are David Lassner; President of UH-Manoa and Erika Larco; Chancellor of Honolulu Community College.

Kanekoa is currently an instructor at Remington College in downtown Honolulu and specializes in teaching Speech Communication, Mass Communication, Critical Thinking and Career Development.  He has a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Hawaii Pacific University in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from UH-Hilo in 2006.

“I hope every Molokai High graduate has a goal to attend college immediately after they finish high school,” he said. “Higher education uplifts and empowers individuals, families and communities.  Learning is a privilege.  Don’t take it for granted.”

As a Hawaiian Homesteader, Kanekoa attended the Maui Community College Molokai Education Center as a part-time undergraduate student and worked as a part-time video productions instructor at Molokai High School in 2002 and 2003.  While living on the north shore of Oahu, he worked as a substitute teacher at Kahuku High School and as an instructor at Brigham Young University Hawaii in Laie from 2011 thru 2013.

Last year, Kanekoa was accepted to the University of New Mexico Communication Ph.D. program but deferred his acceptance to support his wife’s business and raise his newborn son.  His ultimate goal is to become a full-time professor or educational administrator at a college or university here in Hawaii.

Kanekoa currently resides in Manoa Valley and will begin his Ph.D. coursework in August.