The University of Hawaii at Hilo has a new administrator.
Matthew Platz has been named vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, Chancellor Donald Straney announced Friday.
“Dr. Platz brings important strengths to this critical position, including extensive academic and administrative experience, and recognition in research and grant acquisition,” said Straney in a written statement.
Platz will start next January and will earn a minimum of $17,814 per month. His initial contract will be for three years.
Platz, who was selected following a recent nationwide search, is a chemistry professor at Ohio State University, where he has spent 33 years as a faculty member, department chair, interim dean and vice provost.
He also serves as director of the Division of Chemistry at the National Science Foundation, maintains a federally-funded research laboratory, and continues to publish and patent his work.
Platz said he found UH-Hilo’s mission of encouraging students, particularly first-generation students, to reach their highest level of educational attainment “compelling,” noting that higher education had been a game-changer in his life.
Platz, who owns a home in Kona, sees the Big Island and UH-Hilo as major role players in meeting those challenges.
“The island of Hawaii is the perfect place for the next Steve Jobs to show us how to live both well and sustainably,” Platz said in a written statement. “And I believe UH-Hilo can be an exemplar of 21st century higher education, which is a future I look forward to being a part of.”
