Hilo-born woman named interim chancellor of Hawaii Community College

Susan Kazama has been appointed interim chancellor of Hawaii Community College.

Kazama replaces Rachel Solemsaas, who stepped down as chancellor in June after serving for seven years.

The search for a permanent chancellor will begin in the fall with the convening of a selection committee. The search process is expected continue in 2024, with a target of having a permanent chancellor in place by July 2024, according to a press release from the University of Hawaii.

The interim appointment of Kazama was made by UH Acting Vice President for Community Colleges Della Teraoka after a solicitation for qualified candidates. The appointment was then approved by UH President David Lassner.

“Susan has demonstrated her leadership in various roles in the community colleges, and she is committed to working with the administrative team, faculty, staff and community to ensure the college is meeting the needs of students while preparing them for the workforce on Hawaii Island,” Teraoka said said in the press release.

Kazama has worked in the UH system since 1987, starting as a librarian at UH Maui College and Honolulu Community College. Later she served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at Kapi‘olani Community College and Honolulu Community College until 2021, when she became a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapi‘olani.

Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama is a graduate of Waiakea High School and earned a masters in library science and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UH-Manoa, according to the release.