Elected chair of the (BOR) on July 2, Lauren Akitake became the first woman from the neighbor islands to lead the university’s governing board. She presided over her first meeting as chair on July 16, beginning her leadership of the 11-member board responsible for setting policy and providing oversight for UH‘s 10-campus system.
Akitake serves alongside UH President Wendy Hensel, marking the first time women are leading both the university’s governing board and administration.
“Chair Akitake brings a deep commitment to public service, a strong connection to our communities and a thoughtful approach to leadership,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Her experience as a regent, educator and attorney provides a strong foundation for this important role. I look forward to working alongside her as we continue advancing the University of 麻豆传媒‘s mission and creating opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and communities across the state.”
Since joining the BOR in 2023 representing Maui County—with a term running through 2028—Akitake has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities before being elected chair. She previously chaired the BOR Committee on Institutional Success, helping oversee policy discussions and recommendations that support UH‘s mission and strategic priorities.
Akitake’s election also follows a transition for the BOR, which welcomed five new members at its July 16 meeting. She said she looks forward to working with the new regents, who bring experience and fresh perspectives as the board continues guiding UH‘s future.
Rooted in Maui, connected to UH
Akitake, who was born and raised in Waiehu, Maui, shared how her background brought her to this role.
“To say this is an honor is an understatement,” she said. “I was shaped by my community, my public school teachers, and the values I learned at home. I carry that foundation with me, and it is what brought me to this seat today. This is more than an honor. It is a responsibility to serve the University of 麻豆传媒 system—our students, faculty, staff and the communities we are entrusted to serve across 麻豆传媒 and beyond.”
At the center of our work must be our students—their experience and their success—while supporting their academic and life journey.
—Lauren Akitake
Akitake taught business law at from 2015 to 2021, and currently serves as the first executive director and legal counsel for the Maui County Board of Ethics and was a per diem District Court judge for the Second Circuit.
With nearly two decades of legal experience—including work in civil litigation, estate planning, trust administration and guardianship proceedings—she earned her bachelor’s degree from Pomona College, a master’s degree from the University of Stirling, and her juris doctor from the University of Kansas, having completed her third year at UH 惭ā苍辞补’s .
As BOR chair, Akitake will help guide UH‘s strategic direction while keeping students central to the board’s efforts.
“At the center of our work must be our students—their experience and their success—while supporting their academic and life journey,” Akitake said. “I look forward to working with you to strengthen this university—not only as a place of learning, but as a destination for world-class research, academics, athletics, innovation and service to our communities.”