Interim Manoa chancellor Denise Konan will decide in the next 10 days whether she will become the first woman to represent the University of Hawai'i on the Western Athletic Conference's Board of Directors.

In 27 years of membership, either the president or chancellor — who have up to now all been men — have held UH's seat on the WAC's ruling board.

"David (McClain, interim UH president) and I have a meeting with Herman (Frazier, UH athletic director) to talk about what would be best for the program," Konan said.

The Board of Regents yesterday confirmed Konan as the interim replacement for Peter Englert, whose contract was not renewed. Konan will serve until July 31, 2006, unless relieved sooner, the school said. She will not be a candidate for permanent chancellor.

UH's representative is scheduled to become president of the WAC board from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007.

There has been speculation that McClain would take UH's seat on the WAC board. McClain said yesterday, "There is a possibility — but only a possibility" that he would represent UH. "It is really Denise's call. I'll look to the chancellor's guidance as to what role she might like me to take."

Konan, an international trade economist, has been chairwoman of the UH-Manoa economics department and has served as interim assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Konan described herself "as a fan" who has followed UH sports since 1993. "One thing that impresses me is how athletics is a chance for the university to bring in the community," Konan said. "Athletics is an important part of our campus not only for the community but also our students as well. It embodies a lot of the values that we have: (teamwork), dedication and excellence."