University of Hawaiʻi Regent Jan Naoe Sullivan was honored for her 10 years of service to the university as a regent with a proclamation of appreciation, which was presented at the Board of Regents (BOR) May meeting. Sullivan’s term ends June 30, 2021.
The proclamation recognized Sullivan’s extensive contributions in a variety of areas. “I’ve known Jan for a long time and am proud to have served with her on this particular board,” said BOR Chair Benjamin Kudo. “I think everyone has recognized some of Jan’s characteristics that made her such a valuable part of this board. One was her intelligence and insightfulness, but also, I think her perseverance and courage. Jan, we will miss you on the board and wish you all the best.”
“I trust and I know the board will continue to make the tough decisions that will be required to keep public higher education a priority,” said Sullivan. “To fight to maintain affordability, accessibility and a quality education. To the president, vice presidents, chancellors and provost, I give a sincere thanks for putting up with me. I know it hasn’t been easy, and I’ve never shied away from asking the hard questions. I thank you for the good work you’re doing, thank you for your commitment to the university and for all that you’re doing for the people of Hawaiʻi.”
During her time on the board, Sullivan followed in the footsteps of her late father, Roy Takeyama, by serving as chair of the BOR, in addition to serving as vice chair and in other leadership capacities including chair of the committees on budget and finance and research and innovation. Sullivan also spearheaded a number of policy changes resulting in positive long-term impacts on the university, particularly in the areas of budget, investment, research and innovation.
“Jan is thoughtful and insightful, and I think one of the things I’ve always treasured about her is her appreciation of just how complex an enterprise this really is,” said UH President David Lassner. “All of the things we do throughout the islands, across our mission, so many people only see one part of it, and I think Jan has always had a sense of the whole. Especially when she served as chair, she was always compassionate and caring as well, so thank you.”
Regent Sullivan’s contributions to UH and the State are immeasurable. During her tenure on the board, she championed systemwide integration and oversaw the development of the Integrated Academic and Facilities Plan that now guides academic, budget, and facilities planning in a holistic manner across the university system. Her presence on the BOR will be missed, but her colleagues expressed their hope that she will remain involved in service to the university.
