I’ve always admired people who dedicate their lives to shaping others, and Dr. Carey “Doc” Inouye ’66 is exactly that kind of person. Having walked the halls of ‘Iolani as a student, teacher, coach, and now as Dean of Instruction, Doc’s impact on our community is profound and enduring.
When I first met him on campus, I was struck not just by his accomplishments, but by his passion for education. After earning his Ph.D. in physics, he returned to ‘Iolani, inspired to give back the foundation that had shaped him. Thirty-two years later, he is still embracing each day, guiding students and supporting teachers with the same energy and dedication he had when he first stepped into a physics classroom.
Doc’s journey is a testament to the power of commitment and vision. He’s not just a teacher; he’s a mentor, a coach, and a constant advocate for innovation. Over the years, he’s received numerous awards — from the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching to leading national championship teams — yet he remains humble, always focused on the students and faculty around him.
Now, as Dean of Instruction, Doc faces the exciting challenge of guiding teachers through the evolving landscape of 21st-century education. Technology is reshaping classrooms, and students’ needs are shifting rapidly. He approaches this challenge not with hesitation, but with curiosity and a drive to help educators thrive while honoring the individual needs of every student.
What I find inspiring is his unwavering belief in the “One Team” philosophy. Whether teaching physics, coaching baseball, or coordinating curriculum across grades, Doc applies this mantra consistently: collaboration, creativity, care, and commitment. His leadership is a living example of how the values we learn at ‘Iolani can guide us far beyond the classroom.
Looking ahead, Doc sees challenges, yes, but also immense opportunity. With dedicated faculty, supportive administration, engaged parents, and a strong alumni network, he believes that ‘Iolani can continue to grow, innovate, and lead. The Center For Applied Studies is just one example of the forward-thinking initiatives he champions, ensuring students are prepared not just for college, but for life.
Being part of ‘Iolani today and in the future, Doc Inouye embodies what it means to live a life in service of others — a life that educates, inspires, and shapes the generations to come.