University of Hawai?i at Manoa

06/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2025 19:17

Vassilis Syrmos appointed interim provost of UH Mānoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

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Vassilis Syrmos

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has appointed Vassilis Syrmos to serve as interim provost of UH Mānoa, effective July 1, 2025. Syrmos will succeed Michael Bruno, who announced on May 5 that he will return to the faculty on July 1 after serving as provost since 2019.

Syrmos brings more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, including roles as associate vice chancellor for research at UH Mānoa and, for the past 12 years, vice president for research and innovation for the UH System. He has been a faculty member in the UH Mānoa College of Engineering for 34 years, including 22 years in administrative roles.

"I want to thank Vassilis for stepping up to serve UH Mānoa during this time of transition," said Hensel. "He will continue to be a vital member of the leadership team as we navigate the many challenges and opportunities facing higher education today."

Hensel outlined three criteria for the interim appointment: demonstrated administrative leadership in higher education, a deep understanding of both UH Mānoa and the UH System, and a preference to not pursue the permanent role.

"I am humbled by this opportunity to serve UH Mānoa, one of the nation's premier public universities," said Syrmos. "These are difficult times for higher education, but also a moment to reshape and strengthen how we serve the people of Hawaiʻi. I believe in President Hensel's vision and look forward to supporting her leadership."

Syrmos will serve as interim provost while UH leadership reviews the campus' leadership structure and conducts a national search for the permanent position. Once a new provost is appointed, Syrmos will return to his current role as vice president for research and innovation.

Under his leadership as vice president for research and innovation, Syrmos oversaw record-breaking growth in extramural funding, including a new high of $615.7 million in fiscal year 2024, the third consecutive year UH exceeded half a billion dollars. In that role, he led the design, planning, development and coordination of systemwide research and innovation programs and initiatives. A prolific scholar, Syrmos is the author or coauthor of more than 100 journal and conference papers, as well as the book Optimal Control, 2nd edition (John Wiley, 1995).

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