Aloha,

Yesterday I informed the UH Board of Regents that I am stepping down as chancellor on Dec. 31, 2009.

My years at UH Hilo have been some of the best of my life and very rewarding. Soon I will commence on my next phase of intellectual stimulation working on projects in which I am personally interested.

A lot has been accomplished during the 10 years I have been chancellor. With everyone working together, we have increased enrollment, built new facilities, started new degree programs, increased grants, and increased global recognition of UH Hilo.

We moved together in the same direction and overcame many obstacles to take advantage of many opportunities. Now that UH Hilo has permanent deans and vice chancellors, I feel it’s in a good position to keep the momentum going.

December 2009 is 19 months from now and should give the university enough time to plan and strategize. Our momentum has been so positive that I’m confident UH Hilo will attract excellent candidates to be its next chancellor. I’ll be in contact with President McClain about initiating a search with broad participation from the UH Hilo campus and the community.

I look forward to working with all of you in the months ahead to continue our string of accomplishments. Together we make great things happen!

Mahalo for all your support,

Rose