The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has named W. John Kao, National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan President, as the third of three finalists for the position of chancellor of the 糖心Vlog官方 flagship campus. Kao will visit the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa campus May 4–5.

To honor candidates’ requests for confidentiality, the names of the finalists were announced approximately one week prior to their scheduled campus visits. Vassilis Syrmos, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Interim Provost, was named the first finalist on April 20, and Amy Sueyoshi, San Francisco State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, was the second finalist named on April 23. More information is available on the .

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members are invited to attend an open forum to hear Kao share his vision for 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations will be recorded and posted after the final campus visit.

W. John Kao campus forum

• Monday, May 4, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , Webinar ID: 884 9461 6302 | Password: 015992
• Campus visit, May 4–5
• Bio and CV will be posted on the
• Feedback Link available May 4 on the

Campus forums for the other finalists

Vassilis L. Syrmos campus forum

• Monday, April 27, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , webinar ID: 817 8261 3720 and password: 161256
• Syrmos bio and CV on
• Feedback Link available April 27 on the

Amy Sueyoshi campus forum

• Thursday, April 30, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , webinar ID: 859 8027 4989 and password: 206404
• Campus visit, April 30 and May 1
• Bio and CV are posted on the
• Feedback Link available April 30 on the

Feedback is a critical part of the search process. Feedback links are available on the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa chancellor search website beginning on the first day of each finalist’s campus visit. During their visits, finalists are also meeting with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

About W. John Kao

Kao currently serves as National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan President, a role he has held since 2022. He previously served as vice president at the University of Hong Kong and as head of the Institute of Translational Research and head of the BioMedical Technology Cluster with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

Kao began his academic career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he served in various leadership and faculty roles. Prior to that, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology and ETH Z眉rich. Kao earned his PhD in macromolecular science and MS in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a BSE in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

His research focuses on biomaterials, drug delivery and regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on translating fundamental science into clinical applications. He has secured more than $197 million in research funding and authored more than 350 scientific publications and patents. As president of National Tsing Hua University, Kao has raised more than $550 million to support strategic development, infrastructure and talent cultivation.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has named Amy Sueyoshi, San Francisco State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, as the second of three finalists for the position of chancellor for the 糖心Vlog官方 flagship campus. Sueyoshi will visit the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa campus April 30–May 1.

To honor candidates’ requests for confidentiality, the name of each finalist is being announced one week prior to their scheduled campus visit. Vassilis Syrmos, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Interim Provost, was named the first finalist on April 20, and the third candidate will be announced Sunday, April 26. More information is available on the .

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members are invited to attend open forums to meet the finalists. Each candidate will share their vision for 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations will be recorded and posted after the final campus visit.

Amy Sueyoshi campus forum

• Thursday, April 30, 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , webinar ID: 859 8027 4989 and password: 206404
• Campus visit, April 30 and May 1
• Bio and CV are posted on the
• Feedback Link available starting April 30.

Finalist 3 Campus Forum

• Monday, May 4, 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , Webinar ID: 884 9461 6302 | Password: 015992
• Campus visit, May 4–5
• Bio and CV will be posted on the on April 26
• Feedback Link available starting May 4.

Vassilis L. Syrmos Campus Forum

• Monday, April 27, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 817 8261 3720 and password: 161256
• Campus visit, April 27–28
• Syrmos bio and CV on
• Feedback link available starting April 27

Feedback is a critical part of the search process. Feedback links will be available on the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa chancellor search website beginning on the first day of each finalist’s campus visit. During their visits, finalists also meet with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

Amy Sueyoshi

Sueyoshi currently serves as San Francisco State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, a role she has held since 2022. She previously served as dean and interim dean of the College of Ethnic Studies and earlier as associate dean for five years. She has also served as director of Race and Resistance Studies at San Francisco State and as co-curator of the GLBT History Museum, the first queer history museum in the nation.

Sueyoshi is a professor of Race and Resistance Studies and professor of Sexuality Studies. She has published books, articles and essays, presented at conferences, lectured at universities nationwide and received multiple community awards.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Barnard College of Columbia University, a PhD in history from University of California, Los Angeles and an MBA from San Francisco State University. Her research focuses on the intersection of Asian American Studies and Queer Studies. As provost, she has advocated for and secured funding for endowed faculty lines in under-resourced areas, most recently in disability studies.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has selected three finalists for the position of chancellor for the flagship campus and has announced Vassilis L. Syrmos, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Interim Provost, as the first finalist to visit the campus April 27–28 (more information on Syrmos is below).

To honor requests by the candidates for confidentiality, the name of each finalist will be announced approximately one week prior to their scheduled campus visit. Information about each finalist will be posted on the ahead of their forums.

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members are invited to attend open forums to meet the finalists. Each candidate will share their vision for 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations will be recorded and posted after the final campus visit.

Vassilis L. Syrmos Campus Forum

• Monday, April 27, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 817 8261 3720 and password: 161256
• Campus visit, April 27–28
• Syrmos bio and CV on
• Feedback link available starting April 27

Finalist 2 Campus Forum

• Thursday, April 30, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 859 8027 4989 and password: 206404
• Campus visit, April 30 and May 1
• Bio and CV on will be available on April 23
• Feedback link available starting April 30

Finalist 3 Campus Forum

• Monday, May 4, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 884 9461 6302 and password: 015992
• Campus visit, May 4–5
• Bio and CV on will be available on April 26
• Feedback link available starting May 4

Feedback is a critical part of the search process. Feedback links will be available on the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa chancellor search site beginning on the first day of each finalist’s campus visit, when finalists will also meet with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

Vassilis L. Syrmos

Syrmos currently serves as Interim Provost at the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, a role he has held since July 2025. He previously served for 11 years as the 糖心Vlog官方 system Vice President for Research and Innovation. He has also held leadership roles as associate vice chancellor for research and graduate education at the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and associate dean in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa College of Engineering. Syrmos is a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. During his tenure as vice president for research and innovation, 糖心Vlog官方 extramural funding reached a record high of $734 million.

He is the author or co-author of more than 100 journal and conference papers and has authored a book and numerous scholarly articles. He also served on a number of boards and committees supporting research and innovation initiatives.

Syrmos earned his PhD in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a diploma in electrical engineering from Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. His research interests include geometric and algebraic approaches to linear system theory, computational algorithms for signal and image processing, robust and optimal filter design, medical imaging and prognostics and diagnostics for condition-based maintenance systems.

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) has presented a list of candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill two Honolulu County seats for 5-year appointments, beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

The finalists are:

• Keith Y. Amemiya
• Benjamin A. Kudo
• Marie C. Laderta
• Ryan C. Mandado
• Kathryn S. Matayoshi

Finalist biographies are available online.

The CAC began accepting applications to fill these vacancies in early Fall by recruiting individuals and contacting and encouraging government, business and community leaders to nominate candidates. The council also placed print advertisements encouraging applications.

Applications were thoroughly and comprehensively reviewed and screened by all CAC members. The CAC is statutorily responsible for conducting recruitment efforts, accepting and screening applications, interviewing candidates and submitting to the governor the names of nominees willing to serve as regents of the 糖心Vlog官方 System, which is a voluntary non-compensated public appointment.

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council鈥檚 administrative rules.

“The Candidate Advisory Council members extend their sincere appreciation to all the individuals who took the time to apply to serve as a University of Hawaiʻi Regent,” said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino.We are pleased to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate.”

The BOR is the governing body of the 10-campus 糖心Vlog官方 System, the sole provider of public higher education in the state and consists of 11 members. Representation includes five members from the City and County of Honolulu, two from Hawaiʻi County, two from Maui County, one from Kaua驶i County and one University of Hawai鈥榠 student.

Members of the CAC serve on a voluntary basis.

The University of Hawaiʻi has announced the members of the search advisory committee for the next chancellor of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补.

The committee reflects broad representation from faculty, staff, students, campus governance, administration, the 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation and the community. As previously announced, David Karl, the director of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (CMORE), and former 糖心Vlog官方 regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, are serving as co-chairs.

“The strength of this committee reflects the depth and diversity of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 community,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel. “Their perspectives will help ensure an inclusive, transparent and engaged search process.”

Search advisory committee members

• David Karl, CMORE Director and Victor and Peggy Brandstrom Pavel Professor (co-chair)
• Jan Sullivan, former 糖心Vlog官方 regent and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Oceanit (co-chair)
• Rosie Alegado, Professor of Oceanography and the Sea Grant College Program, Director, Microbial Ecology & Evolution in Hawaiʻi Laboratory, Director, Ulana ʻIke Sea Grant Center of Excellence, and Kuali驶i Council member
• Erin Centeio, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Professor and Co-Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science Coordinator Health and Physical Education, College of Education
• Christian Fern, Executive Director, University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly
• Jaret Leong, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Director of 惭腻苍辞补 Academy and Academic Pathways, College of Social Sciences, and 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Staff Senate member
• Tuleen Ziadeh, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 undergraduate student and Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi Vice President
• Emily Palmer, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 graduate student and 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Graduate Student Organization Vice President
• Sarita Rai, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Director, Study Abroad Center, and Vice Chair of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Faculty Senate Executive Committee
• Luis Salaveria, 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Budget and Finance/Chief Financial Officer
• T. Samuel Shomaker, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Dean and Barry & Virginia Weinman Endowed Chair, John A. Burns School of Medicine
• Kapua Sproat, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Professor & Director, Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law & Co-Director, Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic, William S. Richardson School of Law
• Chad Walton, 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation (Interim)
• Scott Wo, Chair, 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation, and Owner/Executive, C.S. Wo & Sons, Ltd.

The search was formally launched in February following a December vote by the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents to accept a Board permitted interaction group report and re-establish the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor position. The process includes an open nomination and application period, campus visits by finalists with open forums and stakeholder meetings scheduled for April 27–28, 2026, April 30–May 1, 2026, and May 4—5, 2026, and final recommendation to the 糖心Vlog官方 president for consideration by the Board of Regents.

The goal is to appoint the next 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor with a start date as early as July 2026. More information about the search, timeline and opportunities for campus engagement is available on .

The University of Hawaiʻi has officially launched a national search to select the next chancellor of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, re-establishing the position to ensure dedicated executive leadership for the flagship campus of the 糖心Vlog官方 10-campus system, the state鈥檚 only public higher education system.

Currently, the 糖心Vlog官方 president also holds 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor responsibilities, while academic affairs, research, enrollment management and student affairs are led by the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 provost. Splitting the roles was discussed by the Board of Regents during the 2024 presidential search. 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 is the only 糖心Vlog官方 campus without a dedicated chancellor. While this hybrid structure has provided continuity, it does not offer 惭腻苍辞补 the same level of focused executive representation and advocacy as the other 糖心Vlog官方 campuses.

In August 2025, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) released a report evaluating the 糖心Vlog官方 System Structure that recommended separating the two positions. The Board of Regents subsequently formed a permitted interaction group to study the issue and, in December, voted to accept the recommendation and re-establish the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor position.

“We initially anticipated launching a fall 2026 search. However, it has become clear that moving forward now is in the best interests of both 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and the 10-campus system—a decision unanimously supported by the 惭腻苍辞补 Faculty Senate,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel in a February 25, 2026 email to the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 campus (below). “Not only is this a critically important leadership position, but the challenging federal landscape, reorganization conversations and changes in AI and other technology make clear this is an inflection moment for the campus and the system.”

Hensel said the search will be inclusive, transparent and engaged and announced that David Karl, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, and former 糖心Vlog官方 regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the search committee.

Next steps

Each step in the search will be communicated widely as they occur and include:

• Formation of a representative search advisory committee
• Open nomination and application period (approximately one month)
• Campus visits by finalists, including open forums and stakeholder meetings, before the end of the spring semester
• Committee recommendation of finalists to the 糖心Vlog官方 president
• 糖心Vlog官方 president recommendation of the selected candidate to the Board of Regents for consideration and approval
• Anticipated start date: fall 2026

Chancellor responsibilities

The chancellor will serve as the chief executive officer of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, reporting to the 糖心Vlog官方 president and serving on the president鈥檚 senior leadership team. The chancellor will oversee a budget exceeding $800 million and more than 5,000 employees and will provide strategic leadership across academic affairs, research, student success, enrollment and administrative operations in collaboration with the provost and executive team.

The chancellor is also expected to advance 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 mission as Hawaiʻi鈥檚 flagship research university while upholding its responsibility to the Native Hawaiian community, language and culture, and strengthening its connections across Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and Asia.

For more information, .

糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补

Founded in 1907, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 is a globally recognized center of learning and research with a kuleana to serve the people and places of Hawaiʻi and its neighbors across the Pacific and Asia. The university cultivates creative and innovative leaders who m膩lama people, places and ways of knowing to sustain and transform Hawaiʻi and the world. As a Land-, Sea-, Space- and Sun-Grant university, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 serves more than 20,000 students across 14 colleges and schools, offering 97 bachelor鈥檚, 86 master鈥檚 and 56 doctoral degree programs.

糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) institution and is internationally recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 top research universities, with research and development awards totaling $570 million in fiscal year 2024–25. The campus maintains particular strengths in ocean and earth sciences, astronomy and Asia-Pacific studies and plays a central role in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic development, civic engagement and community outreach through its commitment to teaching, scholarship and service.

糖心Vlog官方 President Hensel’s message to 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 on February 25, 2026.

Aloha 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students, faculty, staff and administrators.

I am pleased to announce that we have started an immediate search to select the next Chancellor of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, with the goal of naming a new leader by summer 2026.

Currently, I have responsibilities both as the System President and the 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor. During the search for my position in 2024, the Board of Regents raised the possibility of splitting these roles. 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 is currently the only 糖心Vlog官方 campus without an exclusive chancellor. While the current hybrid structure has helped maintain continuity, it does not provide 惭腻苍辞补 with the same level of focused executive representation and advocacy.

In August 2025, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) released a report evaluating the University of Hawaiʻi System structure. It recommended that 糖心Vlog官方 split the two positions, and the Board of Regents formed a permitted interaction group to study the issue. This past December, the Board of Regents voted to accept the recommendation and re-establish the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor position.

We initially anticipated launching a fall 2026 search. However, it has become clear that moving forward now is in the best interests of both 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and the 10-campus system — a decision unanimously supported by the 惭腻苍辞补 Faculty Senate. Not only is this a critically important leadership position, but the challenging federal landscape, reorganization conversations, and changes in AI and other technology make clear this is an inflection moment for the campus and the system. Moreover, because the new chancellor should be involved in several leadership searches now pending across 惭腻苍辞补, further delay creates a ripple effect on stability.

Search approach and timeline

A national search is now underway that will be inclusive, transparent and engaged. I am very pleased to announce that David Karl, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, and former 糖心Vlog官方 regent Jan Sullivan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Oceanit, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the search committee.

Each step in the search will be communicated widely as they occur and include:

Next steps:

• Formation of a representative search advisory committee that includes shared governance groups
• Open nomination and application period (one month)
• Campus visits by finalists, including open forums and stakeholder meetings, before the end of the spring semester
• Committee recommendation of finalists to the 糖心Vlog官方 president
• 糖心Vlog官方 president recommendation of the selected candidate to the Board of Regents for consideration and approval

The goal is to identify and appoint the next 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor with a start date as early as July 2026.

I am excited about these next steps and look forward to engaging with you throughout the process. Mahalo for your continued commitment to 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and the University of Hawaiʻi.

With aloha,

Wendy Hensel
糖心Vlog官方 President

Luis P. Salaveria has been selected to be the next University of Hawaiʻi Vice President for Budget and Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Salaveria is set to start, subject to confirmation by the Board of Regents, on November 21 and will replace Kalbert Young, who is departing at the end of 2025 after 10 years in the position to become the executive director of the Hawaiʻi State Employees’ Retirement System.

Salaveria has 35 years of professional executive experience in the public and private sectors, most recently serving as the state鈥檚 director of finance from 2022 to 2025 in the administration of Gov. Josh Green.

“We are thrilled to welcome Luis to lead our financial operations at 糖心Vlog官方,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel. “As a cabinet member and director of finance, he was responsible for overseeing the planning and design of the state鈥檚 entire operational and capital improvement budgets. His proven record of achievement in complex financial situations makes him uniquely qualified to ensure the long-term financial stability of our 10-campus system.”

Salaveria will be responsible for 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 $1.1-billion operating budget, guiding financial planning and resource allocation to strengthen academic, research and student success initiatives across the 10-campus system.

“As an alumnus of 糖心Vlog官方, I am honored to join the 10-campus system and serve in this vital role,” said Salaveria, who earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics with a minor in political science from 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补. “I have been fortunate to serve in various cabinet roles in state government under three administrations. This, coupled with my private sector background, I believe provides the technical expertise and vision necessary for this position. I look forward to contributing to the long-term financial health and success of the university.”

As the state finance director, he oversaw the State Treasury, which holds assets exceeding $14 billion, and managed the planning and design of the state鈥檚 annual $19-billion operational budget and $3-billion capital improvement budget.

Salaveria led the state鈥檚 financial response to the Maui Wildfire Disaster, implemented the state’s tax reform package, the “Green Affordability Plan,” resulting in the largest income tax update in state history, and developed the strategy for the state鈥檚 first climate resilience fund.

From 2014 to 2018, he served as director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), where he oversaw statewide economic policy in business development, trade, energy and housing. Before joining DBEDT, Salaveria was the state鈥檚 deputy director of finance from 2011 to 2014, helping manage the state鈥檚 multi-year financial plan that achieved a $1 billion turnaround in three years.

In the private sector, Salaveria served as senior director of government affairs for SanHi Government Strategies, LLP (2018–22), representing clients including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and trade associations. The work included successfully drafting and passing legislation and providing consulting in government operations.

After more than two decades of leadership at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Vance Roley plans to step down as dean of the . A national search for his successor will begin this fall.

Roley, who also holds the title of First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Management, has served as dean since 2005. Under his leadership, the college experienced significant growth in academic reputation, philanthropic support and international recognition.

“Serving as dean of the Shidler College of Business has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Roley said. “Over the years, I鈥檝e been fortunate to work alongside dedicated business leaders, alumni, donors, faculty, and staff whose support and guidance have strengthened our ability to educate and empower the next generation of business leaders. Transformative partnerships, catalyzed by Jay Shidler鈥檚 visionary gift, have elevated our programs, facilities, and global reputation in ways that will benefit students for generations to come. As I transition from the deanship, I鈥檓 excited to return to the classroom—reconnecting with the heart of our mission by teaching and mentoring students.”

One of the defining achievements of Roley鈥檚 tenure was his partnership with alumnus Jay H. Shidler, whose transformational gifts to the college now total approximately $238 million. These donations, made in cash and real estate ground leases, represent the largest individual contribution in 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 history and the second-largest known gift to any U.S. public university business school. The funding has helped expand faculty endowments—starting with six to now 43, increase scholarships, enhance student services and support strategic programs at the college.

Other milestones during Roley鈥檚 deanship include:

• The 2019 reintegration of the (TIM School),which brought more than $1.5 million in new scholarships and six faculty endowments. The TIM School is now ranked No. 14 in the U.S. and No. 32 globally by the 2024 Shanghai Ranking. It also placed among the top 15 U.S. hospitality and tourism programs and No. 46 in the world in the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds rankings.
• The 2023 opening of the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, a first-of-its-kind, award-winning live-learn-work innovation hub available to students across all 10 campuses of the 糖心Vlog官方 System. Managed by Shidler鈥檚 , the center houses 374 students and features co-working spaces, meeting rooms, prototyping labs, and entrepreneurial programming.
• Significant capital improvements across campus, including the renovation of the Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard and the transformation of the Sunset Reference Center at the TIM School into a modern, collaborative student space. Through the Visionary Initiative, the college has also upgraded numerous offices, classrooms, and common areas to enhance the student experience and honor the legacy of alumni and supporters.
• Establishment of several major academic initiatives, including the Direct Admit Program, which attracts more than 100 high-achieving first-year students directly into Shidler as freshmen; an undergraduate entrepreneurship major; new graduate programs such as the Distance Learning Executive MBA, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Marketing, and Master of Science in Information Systems; and a doctoral program at the TIM School.
• Since its launch in 2001, the Vietnam Executive MBA Program (VEMBA) has flourished under Dean Roley鈥檚 leadership—growing beyond its founding location in Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and, in 2024, expanding to a hybrid format that reaches professionals across Vietnam. Today, VEMBA boasts nearly 1,000 graduates, including 100 expatriates representing 20 countries.
• More than $1 million in scholarships awarded annually, along with substantial financial support for study abroad experiences that empower students to gain international perspective and cultural understanding.
• A robust career services program that facilitates approximately 500 internships each year, providing students with real-world experience and valuable industry connections. On average, 40% of students secure full-time job offers before graduation, and three months after graduation, approximately 91% of Shidler students are fully employed, with 89% working in fields directly related to their major.

“Vance Roley has been an exceptional, forward-thinking leader with an astute relationship building skillset that has transformed the Shidler College of Business into an academic and philanthropic powerhouse that is now globally recognized for its innovative entrepreneurial programs and its well-prepared graduates,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Vance for most of his time here at 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and he has certainly set a new standard of excellence at Shidler and his departure will leave us with large shoes to fill. I wish him well on his future endeavors.”

Before arriving at 糖心Vlog官方, Roley served 21 years at the University of Washington, where he was acting dean and held the Hughes M. Blake Professorship of Finance. He previously worked as an economist and assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and served as a senior economist on the President鈥檚 Council of Economic Advisers.

Roley holds a PhD and MA in economics from Harvard University and a BA in economics and statistics from the University of California, Berkeley.

A search committee to find Roley鈥檚 replacement has been formed and campus leaders anticipate the job will be posted in September. College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka will chair the search and Isaacson, Miller has been selected as the search firm.

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) unanimously approved the appointment of Matt Elliott as 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 next athletics director during a special meeting on June 16. Elliott was selected by 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel following a national search that drew more than 110 applicants. His first day will be June 30, 2025.

“To the people of Hawaiʻi, to the community, to the coaches, the staff, the student athletes, I’m honored to be your next director of athletics,” Elliott said. “I’ve been a fan for many years and I’m so excited to now be part of the team. Together we will build a department that operates on integrity. We will create the best possible student-athlete experience, and we will set our teams up so that they are in a position to win.”

Elliott brings more than a decade of experience in Division I athletics administration, including 13 years at UCLA. There, he most recently served as chief strategy officer, leading the department鈥檚 transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten and developing a five-year strategic plan. Prior to that, as senior associate athletics director, his overall scope of work included sport oversight, legal affairs, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy, government relations, head coach searches, compliance and supervision of athletic performance and sports medicine. He was also part of the team that negotiated a $280 million shoe and apparel deal, the largest in college athletics history.

“It is a great day for University of Hawaiʻi athletics,” Hensel said. “Matt simply stood out from the competition right from the beginning. I personally spent an incredible amount of my time getting to know the candidates, understanding the challenges of the athletics department, and thinking about where we need to go in the future to support our student-athletes to the highest possible levels that we can and be winners and competitive, but also ensure that our students leave here with an excellent experience that they’re proud to claim and call home. From beginning to end Matt was the guy.”

Elliott steps into the role of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 athletics director at a pivotal time, facing major financial and structural challenges. These include the absence of a permanent Division I stadium, the implications of the recently approved House v. NCAA antitrust settlement—which paves the way for direct student-athlete compensation—and growing disparities in NIL resources that make it increasingly difficult to compete with larger, better-funded programs.

Since 2024, Elliott has worked as senior director of policy and public affairs at Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. He and his family moved back to Hawaiʻi in 2022. Elliott previously clerked in Hawaiʻi after law school and has long-standing personal ties to the islands.

The search committee, co-chaired by 糖心Vlog官方 BOR Chair Gabriel Lee and Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation Chair Jack Tsui, prioritized Division I experience, fundraising ability and Hawaiʻi connections. The process included multiple rounds of interviews and input from student-athletes, coaches, faculty and community leaders.

“What impressed me about Matt is that when you look at the college experience, especially on the student-athlete side, he spent a lot of time in that position and then going from the internal position to the external position of chief strategy officer, I see the progression in his career,” Lee said. “We just look at how balanced a person is, what their potential is, and how they’re gonna be able to work with the rest of the staff, administration, coaches, as well as the president.”

Elliott will begin his appointment on June 30 with a base salary of $425,004, plus performance-based incentives. He replaces Craig Angelos, who departed in December. Associate Athletics Director Lois Manin has been serving as acting athletics director during the transition.

Related 糖心Vlog官方 News stories:

• Local leaders offer perspectives on Matt Elliott鈥檚 appointment as 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 AD, June 6, 2025
• Matt Elliott selected as the next 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 athletics director, June 5, 2025

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has appointed Vassilis Syrmos to serve as interim provost of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, effective July 1, 2025, pending Board of Regents approval. Syrmos will succeed Michael Bruno, who announced on May 5 that he will return to the faculty on July 1 after serving as provost since 2019. (Editor’s note: Syrmos’ appointment was approved by the BOR on June 16.)

Syrmos brings more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, including roles as associate vice chancellor for research at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and, for the past 12 years, vice president for research and innovation for the 糖心Vlog官方 System. He has been a faculty member in the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 College of Engineering for 34 years, including 22 years in administrative roles.

“I want to thank Vassilis for stepping up to serve 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 during this time of transition,” said Hensel. “He will continue to be a vital member of the leadership team as we navigate the many challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.”

Hensel outlined three criteria for the interim appointment: demonstrated administrative leadership in higher education, a deep understanding of both 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and the 糖心Vlog官方 System, and a preference to not pursue the permanent role.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, one of the nation鈥檚 premier public universities,” said Syrmos. “These are difficult times for higher education, but also a moment to reshape and strengthen how we serve the people of Hawaiʻi. I believe in President Hensel鈥檚 vision and look forward to supporting her leadership.”

Syrmos will serve as interim provost while 糖心Vlog官方 leadership reviews the campus鈥� leadership structure and conducts a national search for the permanent position. Once a new provost is appointed, Syrmos will return to his current role as vice president for research and innovation.

Under his leadership as vice president for research and innovation, Syrmos oversaw record-breaking growth in extramural funding, including a new high of $615.7 million in fiscal year 2024, the third consecutive year 糖心Vlog官方 exceeded half a billion dollars. In that role, he led the design, planning, development and coordination of systemwide research and innovation programs and initiatives. A prolific scholar, Syrmos is the author or coauthor of more than 100 journal and conference papers, as well as the book Optimal Control, 2nd edition (John Wiley, 1995).