Don Straney to become VP of planning, policy for UH

Don Straney to become VP of planning, policy for UH

HONOLULU — University of Hawaii at Hilo Chancellor Don Straney will become the vice president of planning and policy for the UH system on Aug. 1.

“Don has done an outstanding job at UH Hilo, and I know he will excel as our vice president of academic planning and policy, a position critical to the entire UH system as we continue to improve our collaborative efforts to meet the needs of the entire state,” UH President David Lassner said in a press release.

Straney has 38 years of experience in higher education, including the UH system.

A national search for a full-time UH Hilo chancellor will begin later this fall. Marcia Sakai, UH Hilo vice chancellor for administrative affairs, will serve as interim UH Hilo chancellor for the time being.

Both appointments will be sent to the Board of Regents for approval on July 20.

Since 2010, Straney has served as UH Hilo chancellor. During his tenure, graduation rate have improved along with an increase in the enrollment of Native Hawaiian, STEM and transfer students from local community colleges.

Sakai joined UH Hilo in 1991 and was the founding dean of the College of Business and Economics.

“Marcia has been a highly successful faculty member, dean and senior administrator at UH Hilo,” Lassner said. “She truly understands and appreciates the university, its mission and its importance to Hilo, Hawaii Island and the state.”