{"id":218169,"date":"2025-07-01T08:24:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T18:24:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=218169"},"modified":"2025-07-01T16:02:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T02:02:29","slug":"message-from-interim-provost-syrmos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/01\/message-from-interim-provost-syrmos\/","title":{"rendered":"Message from new UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Syrmos<\/p>\n

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa on July 1, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n

Aloha UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa ʻohana<\/span>,<\/p>\n

After more than three decades of calling UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa home, it is an incredible honor for me to begin serving as your interim provost. I step into this role today with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, both for the opportunity to support our students, faculty and staff, and for the privilege of leading one of the premier research universities in the world.<\/p>\n

I began my journey here 34 years ago as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. I chose UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa because it was home to one of the highest-ranked programs in systems communication, and because I was inspired by faculty members such as Professors Ned Weldon, Norm Abramson and Shu Lin. Their excellence and dedication left a lasting impression on me, one that helped shape my values as an educator, researcher and leader.<\/p>\n

I stayed because of the genuine welcome and aloha that my family and I received from this campus and from the people of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>. My children were born and raised here, and I\u2019ll never forget how embraced we have felt every step of the way. Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> will always be my home, and that\u2019s why I feel such a profound sense of commitment to serve this institution and this state. I\u2019m truly honored to take on this new role.<\/p>\n

As interim provost, my top priority will be our students. Through the years, I\u2019ve worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students. I\u2019ve witnessed firsthand how they rise to meet challenges when given the support and trust they deserve. Their success is our success, and their achievements are a direct reflection of the extraordinary learning environment we have cultivated and will continue to strengthen.<\/p>\n

That is why I am committed to fostering an environment where excellence is nurtured, opportunities are expanded, innovation is encouraged, and our students are empowered to thrive. That means supporting our academic programs, strengthening our research enterprise and continuing to build a community that is collaborative, forward thinking and welcoming to all.<\/p>\n

Of course, none of this would be possible without our world-class faculty, who truly are the engine that powers UH<\/abbr>\u2019s flagship research campus. I would like to express my appreciation for your dedication and hard work, and I look forward to working more closely with the colleges and units to help build a better and stronger UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa.<\/p>\n

As a longtime faculty member, administrator and now interim provost, I believe deeply in the mission and promise of UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa. Excellence is in our DNA<\/abbr>; not just in what we produce, but in how we support one another, pursue knowledge and serve our communities. In today\u2019s rapidly changing world, higher education is more important than ever. Together, we will continue to elevate our university, expand our impact, and inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, innovators and leaders.<\/p>\n

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Provost Michael Bruno for his nearly decade-long leadership at UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa. His vision and dedication have left a lasting impact on our campus. I\u2019m also excited to work closely with UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa\u2019s leadership team and President Hensel as we continue advancing our shared goals and serving our students, faculty, staff and the people of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.<\/p>\n

I am truly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our university, and I look forward to engaging with many of you across campus as we work together to advance our shared mission.<\/p>\n

With aloha and appreciation,<\/p>\n

Vassilis L. Syrmos
\nInterim Provost
\nUniversity of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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