Awakuni to depart Stanford for the University of Hawaii

Vice Provost for Student Affairs Gene Awakuni has announced that he will leave Stanford to become chancellor of University of Hawaii-West O'ahu.

Awakuni, who has been vice provost for three years, established the Office of the Dean of Freshman and Transfer Students, helped oversee the renovation of Tresidder Dining Commons and re-vamped facilities for student activities.

"Among his many accomplishments, Gene Awakuni has led the process of developing the university's vision for improved space for student activities for both undergraduate and graduate students," Provost John Etchemendy said. "The new Graduate Community Center is just one manifestation of this vision that is now on its way to fruition, thanks to Gene's leadership. And yet we fully understand the extraordinary prospect offered by the new post and wish him the very best of luck."

Awakuni grew up in Hawaii and said he was pleased to be returning to his native state. In his new post, he will oversee a campus that is slated to grow from 1,000 to 7,000 students when building plans are complete.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Awakuni said of the new job. "I will be able to work with a talented team to build the west O'ahu campus into a thriving educational community. Nonetheless, I will miss the many friends I have made at Stanford. My tenure here has been a truly exceptional experience that has helped prepare me for the exciting challenges ahead."

Awakuni will assume his new position on March 1, 2005. In the next few weeks, Etchemendy will confer with President John Hennessy and others to discuss the future leadership of Student Affairs.

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