The decision follows a surprise recommendation 10 days ago by a six-regent task group to ditch a nationwide search for a new UH president and hire McClain, who had previously announced he was not interested in the permanent post.

Student and faculty leaders urged the regents this morning to move forward with a nationwide search for a new president.

"The best people are found when we go out and search for them," Grant Teichman, president of the Associated Students of University of Hawai'i-Manoa, told regents. He said McClain should only be offered the position if he is deemed the best person after a nationwide search.

Regent chairwoman Kitty Lagareta said she believes McClain has the right mix of academic and business skills. She said there is no guarantee a national search would find a candidate right for the university.