UH Board of Regents Terminates President Dobelle

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Posted: Jun 16, 2004

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents announced late Tuesday, June 15, the unanimous decision to terminate UH President Evan S. Dobelle for cause. The decision came after deliberations that lasted 12 hours regarding the three-year evaluation of Dobelle.

"Sadly, we have come to the realization that the President no longer has our trust and there is no longer a unity of purpose between the Board and the President or a clear recognition of his integrity, character and commitment," said UH Board of Regents Chairperson Patricia Lee. "Clearly, this is the most difficult decision ever to be made by the Regents. However, we are confident that we have made the right decision at the right time and that our beloved University of Hawaiʻi will continue to move forward successfully."

According to BOR policy on the evaluation of the president, the Board is responsible for the effective management of the university to insure that the citizens of the State of Hawaiʻi are provided with the finest possible higher education opportunities. It further states that the trust placed upon the President is vital, for it is through his efforts that the Board‘s aspirations for the University are realized.

"It is necessary, therefore, that there exist not only a unity of purpose between the Board and the President, but also a clear recognition of the President‘s integrity, character, and institutional commitment to this university," said Lee.

Also in accordance with BOR policy, UH Vice President for Academic Affairs David McClain was named acting president, effective immediately.