Susan Murata Kazama, a 1986 graduate of the LIS Program, has been appointed as the interim chancellor at Hawai\u2018i Community College. She brings with her an amazing wealth of experiences that spans more than 35 years in higher education at five Â鶹´«Ã½campuses. Among her achievements, Kazama served as interim vice chancellor of academic affairs at Kapi\u02bbolani CC and Honolulu CC. In addition, she served as a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapi\u02bbolani CC.<\/p>\n
Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama attended Â鶹´«Ã½M\u0101noa where she earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology before\u00a0 pursuing a master\u2019s degree in library studies. She began her career as a librarian at Maui CC, Honolulu CC, and Â鶹´«Ã½M\u0101noa\u2019s Hamilton Library before assuming the library directorship at Kapi\u02bbolani CC.\u00a0 Kazama said that her experiences as a librarian contributed to her leadership skills that included fiscal management, organizational planning, and collaborative team building expertise. According to Kazama, working in libraries helped her to develop a solution-driven mindset.<\/p>\n
As the newly appointed leader of Hawai\u02bbi CC, Kazama has a dynamic vision for the institution. Her priorities range from improving student success and workforce development to expanding initiatives dealing with sustainability and strengthening campus safety. Of critical importance to Kazama is incorporating Native Hawaiian values in the curriculum. Toward this end, she has immersed herself in learning the protocols, leadership strategies, history and \u02bb\u014dlelo through the campus I Ola H\u0101loa Center for Hawai\u02bbi Lifestyles.<\/p>\n
Kazama plans to leverage and strengthen various initiatives that are unique to her campus. This includes a hula certificate, agroforestry management, and apprenticeships and non-credit programs offered in collaboration with different community organizations. With an eye on preparing students to live and work on the Big Island, Kazama\u2019s plans focus on more career technical pathways for high school students who wish to earn college credential before graduating from high school.<\/p>\n