In a significant development at the University of Hawaii (UH), President Wendy Hensel has announced plans to appoint a permanent athletic director by summer's end. During her first meeting with the UH Board of Regents, Hensel emphasized transparency and community involvement in the hiring process. Interim Athletic Director Lois Manin will continue in her role until a new director is selected. The board highlighted the importance of engaging a professional search firm to ensure a diverse and comprehensive candidate pool, marking a departure from previous hiring practices that faced criticism.

New Leadership on the Horizon for UH Athletics

In the heart of the Pacific, the University of Hawaii is gearing up for a pivotal change in its athletics department. President Wendy Hensel, who took office at the start of 2025, addressed the Board of Regents, outlining her vision for selecting a permanent athletic director. This process aims to be both transparent and inclusive, reflecting the university's commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Hensel stated that Lois Manin, currently serving as interim athletic director, would remain in her position through the remainder of the 2024-25 academic year. Manin, a seasoned deputy administrator, assumed leadership following the termination of Craig Angelos in November, a decision made by former UH President David Lassner. One of Manin's notable actions was extending a one-year contract to football coach Timmy Chang.

Hensel expressed her intention to initiate the search process immediately, emphasizing the importance of community input. She revealed that preliminary discussions have already taken place to identify key stakeholders for the search committee. Her goal is to finalize the appointment by early summer, if possible, ensuring a smooth transition for the athletics department.

The Board of Regents, including Chair Gabe Lee and member Neil Abercrombie, stressed the need for a professional search firm to oversee the hiring process. They pointed out that this approach would yield a broader and more geographically diverse pool of candidates. Abercrombie, a former governor of Hawaii, underscored the significance of involving a specialized firm to avoid past controversies surrounding the selection of Angelos, who was given an at-will status that raised concerns.

Previous hiring processes were criticized for lacking diversity and transparency, leading to frustration among regents. This time, the board is committed to a thorough and fair selection, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and involved.

Hensel acknowledged the weight of this responsibility, especially during a period of significant change in college athletics. She pledged to work closely with the community and the board to find the right leader for UH's athletics program.

The regents also discussed the matter in an executive session, signaling their commitment to finding the best candidate for this crucial role.

From a journalist's perspective, this move by the University of Hawaii represents a positive step toward greater transparency and inclusivity in leadership appointments. Engaging a professional search firm and prioritizing community input can help restore trust and ensure that the chosen athletic director aligns with the university's values and goals. It is a promising sign for the future of UH athletics as it navigates an era of transformation in collegiate sports.