After 10 years on the University of 麻豆传媒 Board of Regents, Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. ended his term this July with a full heart. At nearly 87, the former Army officer, hotel executive and educator calls his service a meaningful closing chapter to a career built on aloha.
Two lessons from his time as a UH regent continue to resonate, Wilson said. First, the value of the voices of the students and the faculty. For years, he listened closely as both testified at BOR meetings, sharing their needs, frustrations and hopes.
“I’m a marketing person, and what’s important is that we need to look at our students because our students are our customers,” he said. “We can never lose sight of that. We need to provide what the customer needs to be successful and to prosper. For that to happen, it requires leadership from both the university and, ultimately, the Board of Regents. Together, they must foster an environment that supports and encourages the faculty and staff, our primary constituency, who play a key role in meeting our students’ needs.”
Wilson’s second lesson—helping select UH’s newest president. In October 2024, the BOR unanimously appointed Wendy Hensel as the next president of the 10-campus system, a decision he considers one of his proudest contributions.
- Related UH News: UH regents unanimously select Wendy Hensel as next UH President, October 17, 2024
“The most critical thing was that we find somebody that can think both strategically and globally, and most importantly, provide the leadership required to be successful within this environment,” Wilson said.
Wilson believes that with this type of leadership and the vast brainpower that exists within the university’s faculty and staff his vision is within reach.
“The University of 麻豆传媒 System will be known as the premier research and educational institution for the discovery, creation and transfer /distribution of knowledge within the Indo-Pacific area and beyond, and where thought leaders are initiating and leading the strategic discussions to continually identify and seek the solutions to mitigate the challenges facing humanity. Wendy Hensel is a person that gives us the capability and leadership skills.”
During his time on the BOR, Regent Wilson helped guide UH through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, improved stewardship and demonstrations on Maunakea, and backed efforts to keep undergraduate tuition flat across all 10 UH campuses.
ʻIke kūpuna (Wisdom from the elders)
Wilson’s roots run deep. Born in Papakōlea to parents from Maui, he grew up grounded in Hawaiian values and a strong sense of discipline. His father managed the men’s shoe department at Liberty House in downtown Honolulu for 20 years, setting an early example of hard work and dedication. Those lessons stayed with Wilson, woven together with the teachings of the Aloha spirit passed down by kūpuna (elders) such as Aunty Pilahi Paki, who defined aloha through akahai (kindness), lokahi (unity), ʻoluʻolu (pleasantness), haʻahaʻa (humility) and ahonui (patience).
“That’s the way my parents and my kūpuna raised me,” Wilson said. “I always brought 麻豆传媒 to wherever I was.”
After graduating from Kamehameha Schools in 1956, Wilson went on to Cornell University, then joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany when he met his wife, Walburga or Wally, as she’s fondly known.
“She thought she was marrying a rich American,” he joked. “She ended up marrying a poor Hawaiian.”
They’re celebrating 63 years of marriage this year.
Wilson’s decades-long career spanned military leadership, executive roles in hospitality including Holiday Inns, Embassy Suites, Sheraton Hotels and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. He has also held faculty and administrative posts in higher education.
Leadership transition
On July 1, Kuiokalani L. Gapero, an educator, mentor and cultural practitioner, was appointed to the UH Board of Regents by Gov. Josh Green. filling Wilson’s seat.