Vassilis L. Syrmos said his career has been guided by a commitment to excellence, service and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½—principles that helped shape his journey to becoming chancellor of on July 1, 2026.
An electrical engineer by training, Syrmos has spent more than 35 years serving UH Mānoa as a professor, researcher and administrator, helping guide the university through periods of growth and transformation. He said that mentors, a fascination with technology and a belief in collaboration have played a significant role in shaping both his career and leadership approach.
A new chapter: Defining our future
He says his leadership philosophy centers on listening, shared purpose and continuous improvement. As Syrmos assumes UH Mānoa¡¯s top leadership role, he believes he brings a deep understanding of the institution and a vision for advancing its impact across Â鶹´«Ã½, the Pacific and the world.
Syrmos earned his PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Democritus University of Thrace in Greece.
In part one of a two-part interview with UH News, Syrmos shares his journey, experiences and leaders who shaped him at UH. Read the second installment of the interview.
You¡¯ve seen UH Mānoa change over three and a half decades. What is the single biggest difference between the university you joined 35 years ago and the one you lead today?
UH Mānoa has grown from a regional university with research and academic excellence in a handful of areas to a robust flagship institution that provides high-level research and doctoral education across a wide range of disciplines. Coupled with our vibrant intercollegiate athletics program and our ongoing efforts to improve the student experience on campus, the UH Mānoa of today is definitely a larger and more complex institution.
What is the long-standing “Mānoa way of doing things” that you think serves the campus well?
The “Mānoa Way” is the dedication, pride, responsibility, respect and an understanding of the sense of place that the faculty, staff and administrators bring to work each and every day to serve our students and to make our community, state, nation and the world a better place to live. It is a true embodiment of the Aloha spirit that is unique to this special place that we call home.
“UH Mānoa is a land-grant university where access meets excellence.” — Chancellor Syrmos
What is one that you think needs to be left behind?
The perception that UH Mānoa is simply a good value or a good second-choice destination for students. UH Mānoa is a premier academic institution where students have access to unparalleled experiential learning from a cadre of exceptional faculty in world-renowned research and innovation programs in astronomy, earth and ocean sciences, health sciences and tropical agriculture. UH Mānoa is a land-grant university where access meets excellence.
When a leader comes from the outside, they often bring a generic “disruptor” playbook. Because you know this place intimately, what is your custom vision for UH Mānoa‘s unique footprint in the Pacific?
I do not subscribe to stereotypes. I have seen great leaders and individuals who have come from the outside and succeeded, and I have also seen others who have failed miserably. I believe in managing successful “disruption” in a way that people can recognize the value, be part of the change, and are willing to do the necessary work because they understand that the results will enhance both their own experiences and that of the university.
What led you to pursue a career in electrical engineering? How does that impact how you lead/make decisions now?
I¡¯ve always been fascinated with technology. While it may seem trivial to most people because technology is so prevalent and available today, I appreciate the cross-disciplinarity of sciences that converged to disrupt and transform the patterns of everyday life.
Similarly, I see UH Mānoa as a disruptor that will develop new research and innovations that will help to create a knowledge-based workforce and economy that will improve the quality of life in our state and beyond.
What did you learn from the transition from professor to administrator?
My biggest takeaway is that everyone plays a significant role in the success of an organization, and it is vital to keep the channels of communication open. Those in the field need to know what the administrators are planning, and likewise, the administrators need to know what is happening in the field. While everyone may not agree on the path or the outcome, being a part of the process goes a long way in developing a greater understanding of the decisions made.
Any words that you live by?
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom, and we are what we repeatedly do. Therefore excellence is not an act but a habit.” Those are the words spoken by the great Greek philosopher Aristotle that I learned in my youth that remain close to my heart.
Name a mentor or mentors who have shaped you into the person you are today.
I had dozens of mentors over the last 35 years, but I would like to especially acknowledge David Karl, Gary Ostrander, Harold Matsumoto and Kalbert Young as those who have had the greatest impact on my professional career. From the faculty standpoint, Dave always reminded me of the value of relentless excellence and peer review, while Gary taught me patience and the importance of scholarship at the highest level. On the administrative side, Harold introduced me to the UH administration, took me under his wing and showed me how to successfully navigate the rough seas. Kalbert instilled in me that if something doesn’t make sense, it is probably not a good idea. These four individuals helped to define who I am professionally.
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