[ OUR OPINION ]
McClain has right stuff
to hold UH togetherTEMPORARY or not, David McClain starts his new job as acting president of the University of Hawaii with something his fired predecessor didn't have: an enthusiastic endorsement from Gov. Linda Lingle. With that and the support of the UH Board of Regents, McClain has a sturdy foundation from which to settle the turmoil now surrounding the institution.
THE ISSUE
The acting president has the backing of the governor and many in the community.
Evan Dobelle's dismissal alone would have been enough to churn up the community, but regents made things worse with their decision to fire him while he was out of town. Whether due to miscommunication, manipulation on either side or the board's frustration, the ouster was not handled well.
The uncivil action has drawn jarring criticism. Adding to the heat, the board -- concerned about possible litigation -- has not yet specified the reason Dobelle was discharged.
McClain, who finds himself in the middle of the discord, has been unflappable. He has maintained a calming air that those who know him say is part of his character.
Described as guileless and conciliatory, the economist-administrator has a good record, having raised the local and national stature of the UH College of Business during his tenure as dean. He is respected among business people -- a keen asset for a university leader. After more than a decade of living here, he seems familiar with the customs and culture of Hawaii and has a low-key style.
It would be a mistake to underestimate McClain's brawn. Although he is president temporarily, he has firmly taken the helm. As vice president of academic affairs, he has been immersed in financial planning for the UH system and is continuing the work, moving ahead on tuition increases and budget strategies.
His head-down disposition does not cloud an inspiring nature. In an interview with the Star-Bulletin's Craig Gima, McClain spoke about encouraging people to dream. He sees his role as making real "as many of those dreams (as) we can."
McClain did not criticize Dobelle, choosing instead to recount Dobelle's "passion for education," and declined to divulge a political party affiliation. Such diplomacy and tact will serve him well if he gets the job permanently.
That is a distinct possibility. Lingle, whose influence in an appointment would be secondhand -- through choosing regents -- has already stated her belief that he would make a good president. Board members have declared that he has their trust. Many community and university leaders have spoken in his favor.
Regents would be wise to wait until matters cool down before beginning their search for Dobelle's replacement. In the meantime, McClain appears to be a skillful stand-in to keep the seat warm.
