McClain takes 2-year
term at UH

A deal that makes him the interim
president also includes a one-year
sabbatical

University of Hawaii acting President David McClain was appointed interim president yesterday under a two-year contract, which guarantees him a $325,000 annual salary and a year-long sabbatical after he steps down.

McClain has been serving as acting president since June, after the board fired former UH President Evan Dobelle.

"During the time Dr. McClain has served as the acting president, the board and administration have enjoyed working together collaboratively on the many issues of importance to our university system," said BOR Chairwoman Patricia Lee. "The board ... looks forward to working with him and his administration on the myriad issues facing our 10 campuses."

McClain's contract is effective Aug. 15, and runs through Aug. 14, 2006. His salary is $117,000 less than what Dobelle was making as president.

McClain's contract gives him a $326 car allowance, and use of the UH president's residence at College Hill. It also says that at the end of the two-year appointment, McClain is entitled to a year-long sabbatical with a $190,000 annual salary.

"I am both honored and humbled to be asked to lead the University of Hawaii, and I'm grateful for the confidence of the board," McClain told the board at its meeting in Hilo yesterday. "This is a time of great promise for the university, and of notable changes as well."

Board Vice Chairwoman Kitty Lagareta has said the university will start the search for a new president during McClain's interim term. She also said McClain would be an eligible to apply for the job.

Also at yesterday's board meeting, Gary Ostrander was appointed UH-Manoa's vice chancellor for research and graduate education. Ostrander is an associate provost for research and chair of the graduate board at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

He is expected to start at UH in December.

The board also approved yesterday the establishment of a doctoral program in Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Cultural Revitalization at UH-Hilo, and a master's program in Indigenous Language and Culture Education.