Featured Guest Speaker: Dr. Michael E. Latham '86

We are honored to welcome Dr. Michael E. Latham '86, the 17th president of Punahou School, as our distinguished guest speaker. A proud Punahou alumnus who graduated in 1986, Dr. Latham brings a unique perspective that bridges his deep connection to Hawaiʻi with extensive mainland educational experience.

A widely respected scholar of U.S. history and foreign relations, Latham has also taught in China at the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies. He is the author of two books and dozens of articles, essays and reviews. Latham graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Pomona College with a B.A. in history, and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Before returning home to lead his alma mater in 2019, Dr. Latham served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Grinnell College in Iowa, a nationally ranked liberal arts college known for innovative teaching, and previously as Professor of History and Dean at Fordham University's College at Rose Hill in New York City.

Under his leadership, Punahou has made a more intentional and deeper commitment to access, inclusion and diversity Talk Story: Mike Latham, President, Punahou School - Hawaii Business Magazine, including pursuing need-blind admissions and expanding community partnerships. His vision for education emphasizes not only academic excellence but also developing students with emotional intelligence and social responsibility—values that align beautifully with the mission of Hawaiian Mission Houses to foster understanding and preserve our shared heritage.