"DEAN Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge"

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) seeks a visionary leader who understands the profound kuleana of guiding the only Indigenous knowledge college within a Research 1 institution—someone dedicated to strengthening our lāhui through the perpetuation of ʻike Hawaiʻi and the cultivation of future generations of scholars and cultural practitioners. The next Dean of the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge (Hawaiʻinuiākea) will step into a legacy grounded in ʻike kupuna, committed to advancing the wellbeing of the lāhui, and guided by values that continue to shape education in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Established in 2007 after years of collaborative planning between UH Mānoa’s Hawaiian language and Hawaiian studies programs, Hawaiʻinuiākea was created by the UH Board of Regents to serve as a dedicated home for Hawaiian language, history, cultural practice, and worldview within higher education. Today, it stands as the only college of Indigenous knowledge within a Research 1 university in the United States—a distinction that reflects immense opportunity as well as significant kuleana.

Hawaiʻinuiākea encompasses four core centers: the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai Cultural Garden, and Native Hawaiian Student Services. Together, these units create a puʻuhonua—a refuge and vibrant learning environment—where haumāna engage deeply with ancestral knowledge while preparing to lead in service to their ʻohana, their lāhui, and their communities.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean provides strategic leadership and guidance across all aspects of the School, including academic programs, research initiatives, faculty and staff development, student success, community engagement, and resource stewardship. As a senior member of the Provost’s team, the Dean ensures that Hawaiʻinuiākea’s mission and goals align with and advance the UH Mānoa Strategic Plan and the broader priorities of the University of Hawai‘i System.

Nominations, inquiries, and application information

Nominations, inquiries, and applications are being accepted for this position. Review of applications will begin on or about December 12, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, submit an application by December 22, 2025.

For the job description and search information, please go to www.manoa.hawaii.edu/executivesearch. To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaiiedu and search for Position Number 89489, Dean UHM Hawaiian Knowledge.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NEOGOV, you will need to create an account. Please attach the following to the online application: (1) A cover letter addressing how you met the minimum and desirable qualifications (no more than 5 pages), (2) A current curriculum vitae, (3) Names and contact information of three to five professional references; and (4) A statement of no more than two pages that outlines your personal philosophy for academic leadership, specifically as it relates to the role of a Dean at the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Please note, your philosophy must demonstrate how you would address the following: teaching, creative research, knowledge production, student engagement, space allocation, resource development, etc.).

For inquiries and nominations: email uhmexec@hawii.edu or contact Linda Voong at 808-956-0291 / Fax: 808-956-7115.

The University of Hawai‘i is an equal opportunity institution and encourages applications from and nominations of women and minority candidates.