Posted on: Saturday, October 23, 2004
David McClain named interim UH president
By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer
David McClain has been named interim president of the University of Hawai'i system for two years at a salary of $325,000 annually, with a third year's sabbatical leave at $190,000 if his two-year appointment is successfully completed.
McClain's salary is $117,000 less than the $442,000 paid his predecessor, Evan Dobelle, but far above that of Dobelle's predecessor, Kenneth Mortimer, who earned about $170,000.
In other action yesterday the UH Board of Regents approved in concept a College of Pharmacy for UH-Hilo, and recruitment of a dean to head it.
The action was in part an answer to a Hawai'i and national shortage of pharmacists that is estimated to reach 157,000 nationwide by 2020. As a result, Hawai'i students have had difficulty gaining entry to Mainland state pharmacy colleges.
Both board actions were greeted with enthusiasm by the audience at the regents' October meeting at the Hawai'i Community College campus on the Big Island.
"All of the regents are pleased with the trust, communication and mutual respect in our working relationship with President McClain," said board chairwoman Patricia Lee.
McClain said he was grateful for the confidence of the board and said "this is a time of great promise for the university — and of notable challenges as well."
He committed his administration "to finance the hopes raised by the strategic plan and to bring more resources into the enterprise."
McClain picks up the reins of the university after a particularly bitter departure by former UH President Evan Dobelle, who was fired by the board in June after a year of acrimony and a deteriorating relationship between his administration and the regents.
When Dobelle threatened to sue after his "for cause" dismissal, attorneys for both sides turned to mediation to work out an agreement that cleared both sides of wrongdoing and arranged a settlement package of more than $1.8 million for Dobelle, plus a lucrative insurance policy, in return for his resignation.
Additional terms of McClain's two-year contract include a monthly car allowance of $326 and residence at College Hill, the president's official home. It has been vacated by the Dobelles, but McClain has not yet decided when he will move in. It reportedly needs some painting, according to UH spokeswoman Carolyn Tanaka.
McClain moves from acting president to interim president, and has worked to create a positive transition since Dobelle was fired June 15.
McClain had been second in command under Dobelle. As vice president for academic affairs, he had often served in an acting capacity during Dobelle's absences for fund raising.
From the start McClain has had a good working relationship with the board and the governor, in sharp contrast to Dobelle's final months.
"During the time Dr. McClain has served as the acting president, the board and administration have enjoyed working together collaboratively on the many issues of importance to our university system," Lee said.
After Dobelle's departure, one of the first actions taken by the board was to return power to the UH president to hire top executives.
McClain responded with a plan to cut back top positions to save about $875,000 annually in executive salaries. That action that has brought good response from regents and others.
In other action yesterday the board:
• Approved in concept establishment of an integrated program at UH-Hilo for a doctorate in Hawaiian and indigenous language and culture revitalization; a certificate in indigenous language and culture revitalization; and a Master of Arts in indigenous language and culture education. This completes the last remaining milestone for the Hilo campus' Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani College of Hawaiian Language — the offering of a doctorate, said a university spokesperson.
• Approved a proposal to sell courtside seating at UH Manoa men's basketball games at Stan Sheriff Center to increase revenues and offer more seating options for high-end donors. The plan adds 44 seats in the front row and 24 in the second with proposed costs for two tickets — plus a supporting package of other amenities — ranging from $2,000 to $8,000.
• Approved Gary Ostrander as vice chancellor for research and graduate education at UH-Manoa. Ostrander is currently associate provost for research and chairman of the Graduate Board at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. • Approved the reappointment of John Nelson as head coach of the UH-Manoa men's tennis team, Pinsoom Tenzing as head coach of the UH-Manoa women's soccer team and David Shoji as head coach of the UH-Manoa women's volleyball team. Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.
