Syrmos approved as next University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa chancellor
University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents during a special meeting June 4 unanimously approved Mānoa campus Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos as the next chancellor for the university’s flagship campus. His official start date is July 1.
Syrmos came to the Mānoa campus 35 years ago as a faculty member in the College of Engineering. As chancellor, he served as chief executive officer at Mānoa and oversee an annual budget of more than $800 million and workforce of more than 5,000 employees, leading academic affairs, research, student success, enrollment and administrative operations.
“I am honored by the confidence placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve [University of Hawai‘i at] Mānoa at this important moment,” said Syrmos after the board vote. “While I know the university well, I also know there is always more to learn. My first priority will be to visit every school, college and major unit across [University of Hawai‘i at] Mānoa to listen and learn directly from our students, faculty and staff. The strength of this university has always been its people, and I believe our best path forward begins by listening first.”
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Hawaiʻi Community College chancellor announces retirement
Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama will step down July 31 to retire, concluding a 40-year career with University of Hawaiʻi that spanned five campuses and nearly every level of higher education leadership.
The Hilo native was appointed as permanent chancellor in July 2024 after serving a year in an interim capacity. Kazama steered the college through a period of growth, stability and renewed momentum, leading the Big Island institution through the COVID-19 pandemic to rebound with a nearly 9% increase in enrollment, record student retention and success rates and full 7-year reaccreditation. She is retiring, in part, to spend more time caring for her elderly parents.
“Returning home to lead a college in the community that raised me has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Kazama shared in a message to the campus. “Looking back on four decades at the University of Hawai‘i, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve students and communities across our state, and especially for the chance to return home to lead Hawaiʻi Community College.”
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Hawai‘i Land Trust honors Hallett Hammatt as 2026 Kahu o ka ‘Āina
Hawai‘i Land Trust is honoring Hallett Hammatt as its 2026 Kahu o ka ‘Āina. Hallett is an dedicated life-long archaeologist and founder/president of Cultural Surveys Hawai‘i, contributing to shaping historic preservation practices throughout the islands. His contributions to understanding Hawai‘i’s history are tremendous, one colleague said.
Hammatt’s work reflects a strong commitment to stewardship, community engagement and responsible management of cultural resources. His dedication to meaningful and early consultation with the Native Hawaiian community through the years set a standard for other cultural resource management firms, private companies and government agencies.
He will be celebrated during Hawai‘i Land Trust’s annual Mālama ‘Āina Kākou event Oct. 4 at Lanikūhonua on O‘ahu’s west side. Learn more by visiting the event’s web page.
