Shue-Jane Thompson.
HPU has selected alumna Dr. Shue-Jane L. Thompson as the newest member of its board of trustees. With over 30 years of experience and as IBM’s global Managing Partner and cybersecurity strategist specializing in mega deal capture across 170+ countries, Thompson brings a wealth of expertise to the HPU board. Her executive roles at IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman span corporate campaigns, engineering, business development, and delivery, making her a highly influential leader in the tech and cybersecurity sectors.
Thompson holds two Master of Science degrees, a Doctoral Degree in Business Management, and has completed her Ph.D. (all but dissertation) in Atmospheric Sciences. She earned her Master of Information Sciences from HPU and was honored with the Paul C. T. Loo “Professional Achievement Award” in 2009. Throughout her career, Thompson has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the IBM Industry Diamond Badge, the 2013 "Executive of the Year" Award from the Asian American Engineer of the Year Program, and the 2023 National Central University Distinguished Alumni Award for Atmospheric Physics.
Reflecting on her educational journey, Thompson emphasized the importance of diversifying one's skills. After years of working in technical roles such as programming and system engineering, she pursued a doctoral degree in business management, which she described as an “eye-opening experience” that allowed her to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen. She encourages students to broaden their horizons by pursuing interests outside their primary fields of study, advocating for a blend of technical certifications and formal education.
“HPU is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway between the Pacific and Asia, offering a culturally rich, diverse educational experience that meets the needs of students from all over the world," Thompson said. "As an alumna, I’m honored to contribute to the university’s growth and help guide its future. I look forward to supporting HPU’s mission to expand innovative programs and foster opportunities in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and beyond.”
Thompson believes HPU is at the forefront of “education transformation,” emphasizing its potential to expand access to students from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond. She has a deep commitment to education, particularly in fostering innovation in technology fields, including cybersecurity and many other emerging technologies. She sees HPU as an institution that can meet students' diverse educational needs while offering them a unique cultural experience in Hawaiʻi.
Her distinguished career has made her a trusted advisor to C-suite executives across the globe. As a former U.S. Delegate for ISO and Chief Editor for ISO standards in IT service management, Thompson continues to influence industry standards. Additionally, her passion for teaching has been evident throughout her nearly 20 years as an adjunct faculty member at various universities, including two years at HPU, where she taught programming and data analysis in the Master of Information Systems program.
“Shue-Jane’s educational journey, from her time as a student at HPU to her experience as an adjunct faculty member, exemplifies her deep commitment to education,” HPU President John Gotanda said. “Her extensive global career, coupled with her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of professionals, makes her an invaluable addition to our board of trustees. Her ability to blend professional expertise with a dedication to nurturing future leaders is precisely the kind of vision that aligns with HPU’s mission. We are thrilled to work with her as we continue to shape the future of our University.”
