The HIAU Founding Team and Founding Advisory Board realizes it is time to take seriously some of the problems the world is now facing and that present systems are in need of change. Yes, humans have been dealing with critical problems for thousands of years but problems have now become more challenging with far dire consequences if we fail to reform how we educate. Climate change, pandemics, Internet hacking and misinformation, education reform, income inequality, systemic racism, nuclear proliferation, and tribalism are some of the urgent challenges that HIAU students will address.

University students have always had energy and the mental prowess to create change. Most of the students who will attend HIAU were born in the 21st century and are keenly aware of the urgency of the times, as they have the most to lose if humanity fails to address current challenges. They have a pretty good idea of how today’s technologies can help solve problems and don’t have to be convinced that technology literacy is critical. We see today’ students working in powerful ways in their communities and wanting to do more. HIAU realizes that without the energy, expertise, and passion of their students, building a relevant world class university is not possible. HIAU students will be involved as leaders throughout their time with HIAU including curriculum and program development.

Technology has been advancing for centuries, especially during the past three decades. Technology may finally be at the point where we can actualize bringing about the systemic changes necessary to address the urgent problems facing humanity. Satellite-direct high-speed networks (global remote/rural access), cloud-based storage, artificial intelligence, robotics, etc. can now become elements in a powerful toolkit, giving us a chance to save ourselves. HIAU is focusing on providing each of its students and faculty with the best possible onsite and online technology education.

HIAU has, at its core, the whole person approach and will promote “care for the entire person.”