University of Hawaiʻi Regent Gabriel Lee has been re-elected chair of the UH Board of Regents for the 2025–26 academic year. The vote took place during a special board meeting on July 3 at UH Mānoa.
Lee, who was appointed to the board in 2022, led the search for UH’s new president, resulting in the selection of Wendy Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1. He also chaired the search committee for the new UH Mānoa athletics director, culminating in the appointment of Matt Elliott, who officially started on June 30.
“It is an exciting time for UH,” Lee said. “Despite national challenges in higher education, we have the right leaders in place and a group of regents deeply committed to the success of our 10-campus system. I am honored by their support and trust in me. I believe the year ahead will be one of tremendous transformation, positioning Hawaiʻi’s sole provider of public higher education to lead our state into the next future.”
The regents also elected Hawaiʻi Island Regent Mike Miyahira as first vice chair and student regent Joshua Faumuina as second vice chair. Faumuina is the first student regent in recent memory—and possibly ever—to serve in a board leadership role.
“I think it’s really important that we have our actual stakeholders in positions where they can influence higher-level decision making and governance,” said Faumuina after the meeting. “I want to make sure the role is taken seriously going forward and future students not only feel welcome at the table, but know they have the power to lead.”
The meeting also marked the first for Regent Kuiokalani Gapero, recently appointed to represent Maui. Gapero succeeds Ernest Wilson, who served two consecutive five-year terms.
“I’m honored to serve as a regent, and it’s a responsibility I take to heart and approach with real dedication,” said Gapero when his appointment was announced on July 1.
Walton appointed interim VP for research and innovation
The board also approved the appointment of Chad Walton as interim vice president for research and innovation. Walton will serve in place of Vassilis Syrmos, who is now interim provost at UH Mānoa.
“During this interim period, my focus will be on maintaining continuity in our research operations while advancing major initiatives,” Walton wrote in an email to faculty and staff across the 10 campuses. “Just as important, we must navigate an evolving federal landscape that is reshaping research priorities, compliance requirements, and funding mechanisms.”
Walton had been serving as associate vice president for research and innovation since May 1, after previously holding the role of assistant vice provost for research and scholarship at UH Mānoa.
