This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on July 1, 2025.
Aloha UH Mānoa ʻohana,
After more than three decades of calling UH Mānoa home, it is an incredible honor for me to begin serving as your interim provost. I step into this role today with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, both for the opportunity to support our students, faculty and staff, and for the privilege of leading one of the premier research universities in the world.
I began my journey here 34 years ago as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. I chose UH Mānoa because it was home to one of the highest-ranked programs in systems communication, and because I was inspired by faculty members such as Professors Ned Weldon, Norm Abramson and Shu Lin. Their excellence and dedication left a lasting impression on me, one that helped shape my values as an educator, researcher and leader.
I stayed because of the genuine welcome and aloha that my family and I received from this campus and from the people of Hawaiʻi. My children were born and raised here, and I’ll never forget how embraced we have felt every step of the way. Hawaiʻi will always be my home, and that’s why I feel such a profound sense of commitment to serve this institution and this state. I’m truly honored to take on this new role.
As interim provost, my top priority will be our students. Through the years, I’ve worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students. I’ve witnessed firsthand how they rise to meet challenges when given the support and trust they deserve. Their success is our success, and their achievements are a direct reflection of the extraordinary learning environment we have cultivated and will continue to strengthen.
That is why I am committed to fostering an environment where excellence is nurtured, opportunities are expanded, innovation is encouraged, and our students are empowered to thrive. That means supporting our academic programs, strengthening our research enterprise and continuing to build a community that is collaborative, forward thinking and welcoming to all.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our world-class faculty, who truly are the engine that powers UH’s flagship research campus. I would like to express my appreciation for your dedication and hard work, and I look forward to working more closely with the colleges and units to help build a better and stronger UH Mānoa.
As a longtime faculty member, administrator and now interim provost, I believe deeply in the mission and promise of UH Mānoa. Excellence is in our DNA; not just in what we produce, but in how we support one another, pursue knowledge and serve our communities. In today’s rapidly changing world, higher education is more important than ever. Together, we will continue to elevate our university, expand our impact, and inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, innovators and leaders.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Provost Michael Bruno for his nearly decade-long leadership at UH Mānoa. His vision and dedication have left a lasting impact on our campus. I’m also excited to work closely with UH Mānoa’s leadership team and President Hensel as we continue advancing our shared goals and serving our students, faculty, staff and the people of Hawaiʻi.
I am truly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our university, and I look forward to engaging with many of you across campus as we work together to advance our shared mission.
With aloha and appreciation,
Vassilis L. Syrmos
Interim Provost
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
