David McClain

Interim UH chief
will face new tests

In his first six months as interim University of Hawaii president, David McClain has dealt with a major flood in Manoa, a looming tuition increase and the transition to a new administration after the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor.

Can the job get more challenging?

Sure it can.

Next comes the state Legislature, and it is up to McClain to make the case for more funding for the university system. UH-Manoa needs help rebuilding after the Oct. 30 flood. The new medical school opens this year, and major construction projects including a Cancer Research Center in Kakaako, a UH-West Oahu campus and new dorm rooms could also begin before the year is over.

The university also will soon start a major fund-raising campaign to celebrate UH's centennial in 2007.

And McClain must get approval for what could be a significant tuition increase in 2006.

"Definitely, people are going to be watching how he performs," said Board of Regents Chairwoman Patricia Lee.

The regents selected McClain, formerly UH's vice president of academic affairs, to run the university for two years after the dismissal of former president Evan Dobelle in June.

With a Ph.D. in economics and experience in the private sector, McClain came to UH in 1991 as the Henry A. Walker Jr. Distinguished Professor of Business Enterprise. He served as dean of the College of Business from 2000 to 2003 and helped the school's profile in the community.

So far, McClain's baptism by fire as president and his ability to work with students, faculty and the community have impressed Lee.

"The more I meet with him, the more confidence I have in him," she said.

The regents are expected to start the search for a permanent UH president by the end of the year. McClain has not said if he is interested in applying for the permanent position.

But how well McClain performs this year might well determine if he will lead the university into its second century.