At moments of uncertainty, the strength of our public institutions depends on more than good intentions. It depends on governance — on who is willing to step forward, assume responsibility, and make difficult decisions on behalf of the public.
Few institutions illustrate this more clearly than our public university system.
Higher education is facing a period of rapid change. Enrollment patterns are shifting. Federal policy is increasingly unpredictable. Universities are being asked to do more — prepare a future workforce, support research, maintain access, and remain financially stable — often with fewer resources and greater scrutiny. In that environment, strong leadership matters. But just as important is the quality of the boards that govern our institutions.
The Board of Regents plays a critical role in stewarding the University of Hawaiʻi system. Regents are fiduciaries. They set long-term strategy, oversee complex finances, hire and evaluate senior leadership, and make decisions whose effects can last decades. The role is unpaid, time-consuming, and often thankless…