Vice Chancellor Named to University of New Mexico Post

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs, Dr. John Whittaker, has been named Director of Resource Management for the University of New Mexico. Whittaker, who will begin his new post early January 2004, will be responsible for the operating and capital budgets and human resources in his new capacity, which is a systemwide position.

Whittaker joined UH Hilo on August 1, 1999. For the past four and a half years, he oversaw a wide range of areas, involving policy formulation, operational management and non-academic affairs program management. He was also responsible for developing and managing the University‘s operational and capital improvement budgets, physical plant operations, capital construction, auxiliary services and campus security.

"John Whittaker brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job in areas like budgeting and facilities planning that were critical to the success of this University," said Chancellor Rose Tseng. "We have benefited tremendously from his contributions and wish him well in his new capacity, where I know he will continue to excel."

Whittaker presided over a period of significant capital improvements that included construction of the University Classroom Building (UCB) and Marine Science Building -- which were the first new major buildings on campus in 20 years -- a new main entrance with signage, the paving, lighting and landscaping of the Theatre parking lot, and the soon-to-be completed covered walkway between the Campus Center and UCB.

"This was an exciting period to be part of," Whittaker said. "The capital improvements are impressive under any circumstances. But when you consider that we accomplished this at a time when budgetary resources were limited and in some cases declining, it takes on even greater meaning."

Before joining UH Hilo, Whittaker served as executive director for strategic planning and resource management and special assistant to the president at Roxbury Community College in Massachusetts. Prior to his position at Roxbury Community College, Whittaker served in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and the Office of the Provost at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. He also served as director, fiscal and facilities planning for the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and director of budget and financial planning for the Connecticut state system.

"My wife Joan and I would like to thank the UH Hilo community for their friendship and support over the past four and a half years," Whittaker said. "Our time here has been a wonderful, unforgettable experience."