Two key officials at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa will leave this summer, raising concerns about continuity and leadership just as the campus seemed to be leaving the turmoil of the Dobelle years behind.

Neal J. Smatresk, the vice chancellor for academic affairs who guided UH-Manoa through the accreditation process after criticism by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, has taken a position at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Starting June 1, he will join UNLV as its executive vice president and provost, where he will oversee all academic operations on campus.

Interim chancellor Denise Eby Konan also will vacate her post on July 31, when her one-year appointment ends. The university, which has already identified four finalists, plans to name a permanent chancellor by then. UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said Konan's plans after July 31 are undecided.

"With the No. 1 and No. 2 offices empty, the school will essentially be leaderless," said Grant Teichman, student body president at UH and a senior majoring in history and political science. "It seems like we're in a state of perpetual limbo."

Smatresk said he will ensure that changes initiated during his tenure at UH will move forward after his departure.

"That's my highest priority right now, to make sure the positive things we're doing to support students will continue," said Smatresk, 55. "I'm deeply concerned about that."

The university has had a number of interim leaders since former President Evan Dobelle's departure in 2004 after a bitter split with the Board of Regents.

In his three years at UH, Smatresk played a key role in facing a string of challenges, from a decline in enrollment — since reversed — to a shortage of student housing to a flood that ravaged parts of the campus.

He has contributed to the rebuilding of the financial aid program, ramping up student recruitment and restructuring student advising.

"There are long ways to go, make no mistake," Smatresk said. "But I believe (faculty and administration) are committed to making this university a better place."

Konan, who was in Kona when the Smatresk announcement was made, said she will miss his energy and expertise.

"He's accomplished a great deal in the time he was here," she said in a statement. "Our loss is UNLV's gain."

Smatresk joined UH after serving as dean of the college of science at the University of Texas-Arlington. He had been in teaching and administrative positions at Texas since 1982.

UH has not yet put together a search committee, said UH spokesman Jim Manke. Once Smatresk departs, an interim vice chancellor will be appointed.

"He's very passionate about what he did and you could tell he really cared," Teichman said. "With both leaving at the same time, we won't have continuity. ... There's no question this is almost the worst-case scenario, losing them at the same time."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.