Search begins for permanent UH-Hilo chancellor

HILO — The University of Hawaii at Hilo has launched its search for a permanent chancellor.

The campus said in a news release Tuesday that it selected a 16-member committee to begin the search process, which will take place locally, nationally and internationally with help from a professional search firm.

The committee includes administrators, faculty, students, staff, members of the Native Hawaiian Hanakahi Council and community leaders.

The committee will begin screening applicants and nominees by the end of February, according to the release, and will host on-campus visits with finalists in late April.

UH President David Lassner will use input from the committee and stakeholders to recommend to the Board of Regents a final candidate for appointment.

Lassner said in the Tuesday release that “the next chancellor will be critical in strengthening UH-Hilo’s unique position in the state and beyond” and “must lead the campus vigorously forward to serve Hawaii Island.”

Whoever is chosen will replace Don Straney, who was chancellor until August when he was reassigned to another position within UH system leadership. Marcia Sakai, a former faculty member, was appointed interim chancellor Aug. 1 on a one-year assignment.

Sakai will remain until the new chancellor starts, which most likely will be fall semester 2018 or spring semester 2019. However, the exact start date is contingent on availability of the person selected.