HILO, Hawaii –Virginia S. Hinshaw, provost and executive vice chancellor of the University of California, Davis, has been named chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Hinshaw's appointment, approved Thursday by the UH Board of Regents at its monthly meeting in Hilo, begins July 1, 2007, and is for five years.

An academic leader with a distinguished record of accomplishment at UC Davis, and prior to that the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hinshaw is also a renowned scientist with expertise in microbiology whose work over the past 25 years has aided in the understanding of the influenza virus and new approaches to vaccines.

"Virginia Hinshaw is the complete package: a scholar of distinction and a transformational academic leader," said University of Hawaii System President David McClain. "As UH Manoa enters its second century, Dr. Hinshaw's rich experience coupled with her inclusive and collaborative nature will enable the campus to fulfill its considerable potential – for the benefit of students, the advancement of knowledge, and the welfare of all the people of Hawaii."

As chancellor at UH Manoa, Hinshaw will serve as the chief executive officer responsible for providing both administrative and academic leadership to the University of Hawaii System's flagship campus.

"I'm truly excited about the prospect of joining the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, an institution of many accomplishments, but clearly with increasing aspirations for the future," said Hinshaw.

"I look forward to serving as chancellor and joining this wonderful 'ohana. Be assured that the second century for the University of Hawaii at Manoa is filled with great potential and, by working together, this university will realize that potential for the benefit of the people of Hawaii and beyond."

— from the University of Hawaii

A STATEMENT FROM VIRGINIA HINSHAW:

Dear Colleagues,

The Regents of the University of Hawaii tonight have approved my appointment as chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, so I will be pursuing this new opportunity, beginning in July, 2007. I am attaching the press release, which was just issued. Just as I saw enormous potential when I arrived at UC Davis, now I have the privilege to look forward again - to serve as chancellor in an accomplished public research university with aspirations to build its future.

I do want you all to know that UC Davis has captured my heart and mind in so many ways. This university truly is a wonderful place and, most definitely, a "dynamic institution on the rise." Serving as the provost and executive vice chancellor has been both an exciting and fulfilling xperience, particularly working with all of you, my colleagues and friends for the past six years. We've shared many impressive adventures during this time and your expert leadership has my greatest respect. I know that UC Davis will continue to enjoy great success in its future - and I will share in that joy, in mind and spirit if not in body.

Thank you for all of your support and good wishes, now and into the future.

Mahalo,

Virginia

A STATEMENT FROM LARRY VANDERHOEF

Dear Colleagues:

It’s now official! Virginia has been confirmed by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents as the next chancellor of the university’s Manoa campus, effective July 1.

I couldn’t be happier for Virginia that her many talents and extraordinary ability to inspire and engage people were so readily recognized by the University of Hawaii. With the benefit of Virginia’s guiding hand, good things are sure to happen at the UH Manoa campus.

In anticipation of her departure a few months ahead, we will begin preparations now to appoint an interim provost and executive vice chancellor and to search for Virginia’s permanent successor. I anticipate announcing an interim appointment in the weeks ahead and launching a national search later this spring. It’s my intention to have someone permanently on board by July 2008.

But, most immediately, it’s time to congratulate Virginia and to note all she’s done -- and continues to do -- to make UC Davis stronger than when she arrived.

Mahalo, Virginia, and aloha!

Larry N. Vanderhoef, Chancellor of UC Davis