I am happy to inform you that last Thursday the Board of Regents appointed Manny Cabral as Interim Chancellor for Leeward Community College. I am delighted to have Manny assume this role and thank him for his willingness to do so.

In considering my recommendation to the Board of Regents I was looking for an individual who could continue the good work that Peter Quigley began and maintain the momentum the Leeward has achieved, as evidenced by the very positive accreditation results. I felt that it was important to have the candidate be someone from within the College who understood the dynamics of the campus and who has been a part of these planning and decision-making processes. I also felt it was important to allow the search and selection for the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs to move forward without delay or complication.

Manny Cabral with his years of experience in faculty leadership, his experience as department head, and his experience as head of the Campus Council will provide the stability and leadership we are seeking. Manny will be an excellent communicator of what Leeward is and what Leeward wishes to be in his interactions with the Legislature, with the University system, with potential donors, and with the larger community.

Leeward is poised to take advantage of some significant opportunities and face some important challenges in the years ahead. The continued growth in the Leeward/Central Oahu area, the clear data that the region, particularly the Waianae Coast, is not well served by the University, the relationship with the newly developing UH-West Oahu, and the looming retirement of significant numbers of faculty all are issues that are of immediate concern. I am looking forward to working with Manny and all of you in addressing these issues.

We will begin the search for the permanent Chancellor in the early Fall with the goal of having someone selected and on board by July 2008. In closing, I wish to thank Peter Quigley for his service to the College and wish him well in his new position. I also wish to thank all of you who offered advice and suggestions during this transition.

It begins…

The legislative season has begun.  This is an important session in that the Fiscal Biennium 2007-2009 budget will be determined by this legislature.  The month opened with hearings on that budget and the legislators seemed very interested in the University and our potential for contributing to addressing State needs and solving State problems.

UH Day at the State Capitol was a blast!  Community colleges clearly showed the diversity of our programs and the breadth of our impact on students and our local communities.  I also learned a lot about other UH colleges and programs.  I kept finding myself saying, "I didn’t know UH did that!"  

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