Susan Murata Kazama, a 1986 graduate of the LIS Program, has been appointed as the interim chancellor at Hawai‘i Community College. She brings with her an amazing wealth of experiences that spans more than 35 years in higher education at five UH campuses. Among her achievements, Kazama served as interim vice chancellor of academic affairs at Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC. In addition, she served as a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapiʻolani CC.
Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama attended UH Mānoa where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology before pursuing a master’s degree in library studies. She began her career as a librarian at Maui CC, Honolulu CC, and UH Mānoa’s Hamilton Library before assuming the library directorship at Kapiʻolani CC. Kazama said that her experiences as a librarian contributed to her leadership skills that included fiscal management, organizational planning, and collaborative team building expertise. According to Kazama, working in libraries helped her to develop a solution-driven mindset.
As the newly appointed leader of Hawaiʻi CC, Kazama has a dynamic vision for the institution. Her priorities range from improving student success and workforce development to expanding initiatives dealing with sustainability and strengthening campus safety. Of critical importance to Kazama is incorporating Native Hawaiian values in the curriculum. Toward this end, she has immersed herself in learning the protocols, leadership strategies, history and ʻōlelo through the campus I Ola Hāloa Center for Hawaiʻi Lifestyles.
Kazama plans to leverage and strengthen various initiatives that are unique to her campus. This includes a hula certificate, agroforestry management, and apprenticeships and non-credit programs offered in collaboration with different community organizations. With an eye on preparing students to live and work on the Big Island, Kazama’s plans focus on more career technical pathways for high school students who wish to earn college credential before graduating from high school.
Source for this information:
University of Hawai‘i News (July 23, 2024)
Article: Susan Kazama Returns Home to Lead Hawai‘i CC
Author: Katie Young Yamanaka
https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/07/23/kazama-returns-home-to-lead-hawaii-cc/