I personally value his friendship and the guidance he provided this past year. Ernie, we wish you the best as you begin your next chapter and thank you for your contributions to our students, staff, and faculty. A hui hou and may your days be filled with laughter and joy!

Yesterday, we thanked Regent Ernie Wilson as he completed two terms of service on the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents. Known for his intellect and aloha spirit, he led with grace and wisdom, leaving a lasting impact on the university community.

We had an incredible AI workshop today led by @ikitajima from PICTHR to get our UH leadership team engaged, excited and inspired. Just a glimpse of how AI can help us work smarter and teach our students these powerful tools. The future is here and UH is ready to lead.

Mahalo to all of our regents for volunteering your time to serve UH, and to Chad Walton for stepping up as interim VP for Research and Innovation. I look forward to working with all of you to keep UH moving forward.

Congratulations to Gabe Lee, Mike Miyahira, and Josh Faumuina on being elected to lead our Board of Regents for the coming academic year. Welcome to Regent Kui Gapero, who officially joined the board today.

Enjoyed my conversation with the Conversation. Listen to the talk here ⬇️

Your support and partnership are critical as we navigate these times. I know HBR believes deeply in UH’s mission, and together we can ensure our university remains strong for Hawai‘i’s people and future.

Mahalo to the members of the Hawai‘i Business Roundtable for the warm welcome at today’s lunch and for your continued leadership in shaping a better future for our islands. I appreciated the chance to share the challenges UH is facing due to recent federal policy changes.

Your leadership makes a real difference for Hawaii. It was an honor to celebrate with you and see the Chamber commend public servants for their advocacy and commitment to building a stronger Hawaii. UH was proud to support the event and mahalo to our leadership team who attended.

Congratulations to all of the honorees, including Sen. President Ron Kouchi, Former Speaker Scott Saiki, Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Sen. Lynn DeCoite, Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Senator Glenn Wakai, and Rep. Daniel Holt.

Mahalo to @cochawaii for hosting its inaugural Business Advocacy Awards Gala and recognizing the leaders who work tirelessly to support our local businesses and communities.

Mahalo to @cochawaii for the warm aloha and chance to share my vision for UH. The business community’s support is key to UH’s success and helps create opportunities that benefit all of Hawaii. Together, we’re building a brighter future.

Here in Hawaiʻi, Juneteenth invites us to live out our shared values of aloha and respect. May this day inspire us to uplift one another, celebrate our diverse histories and continue working toward a more just and compassionate future for all.

Today, we honor Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. It is a time to reflect on the resilience, strength and contributions of Black communities throughout history.

The BOR approved a $7.4M investment in new tech to boost student success across all 10 UH campuses. These tools will help us support students earlier and more effectively—improving retention and graduation rates.

Had a great time at @UHMLibrary meeting with the staff and having a Q&A hosted by Head Librarian Clem Guthro. A highlight was a visit to the map collection, where Ted Kwok shared stories behind maps dating back to the 1400s.

Thrilled to announce that the Board of Regents has unanimously approved Matt Elliott as the next @HawaiiAthletics director! With 13 years in college athletics and deep ties to Hawaiʻi, he’s ready to lead our state’s only D1 program.

Honored to speak with The Pacific Club this week as part of their Distinguished Speakers Series. I love how deeply our community engages with and supports the entire University of Hawaii System. Mahalo to everyone who came out to hear our vision for the future and share feedback!

Thanks to Admiral Anita Lopez and @SOESTnews Dean @fletcher_chip for an informative afternoon. Also, a huge mahalo to @USNavyResearch for their continued partnership and support.

Toured the Kilo Moana at Pier 35, an impressive research vessel that has advanced ocean science and student learning since 2002. It is a key reason @UHManoa is a global leader in oceanography and earth sciences.