University of Hawaii at Manoa Seeks New Dean for Shidler College of Business as Vance Roley Announces Departure

The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Shidler College of Business is set to initiate a wide-ranging search for a new dean following the announcement that current Dean Vance Roley is preparing to step down. Roley has been at the helm since 2005, but according to Hawaii News Now, he is planning to return to his academic roots in the classroom after a tenure that spans over two decades.

"What I want this next year to be is very successful to try to get the college in the best possible shape for a successor so he or she can continue to build on what we've accomplished here for the last twenty plus years," Roley was quoted as stating in a Hawaii News Now interview. His tenure has been marked by enhanced academic reputation, increased philanthropic support, and greater international recognition for the college.

During Roley's time as dean, the Shidler College of Business has seen numerous milestones, such as the reintegration of the School of Travel Industry Management and the opening of the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, an innovation hub for students. Roley has also been instrumental in partnership with alumnus Jay H. Shidler, resulting in a significant contribution of approximately $238 million, as reported by the University of Hawaiʻi News.

Roley’s contributions to the college extend far beyond fundraising; he has been a key player in establishing major academic initiatives, such as the Vietnam Executive MBA Program, which has now nearly 1,000 graduates. "Serving as dean of the Shidler College of Business has been the greatest privilege of my career," Roley told the University of Hawaiʻi News. With his departure, UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos remarked on Roley’s solid legacy and transformative leadership that has come to define Shidler's global stature.

The process to find Roley's successor is expected to formally begin in September with a search committee already formed, chaired by College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka, and recruitment firm Isaacson, Miller engaged for the task.