Community college chancellor stepping down July 31

Susan Kazama, chancellor of Hawaii Community College, will retire on July 31 after a 40-year career with the University of Hawaii spanning five campuses. Appointed as permanent chancellor in July 2024 after serving as interim, Kazama cited her desire to spend more time caring for her elderly parents as a key reason for her departure. During her leadership, the college saw an 8.7% enrollment increase, record-high student retention, and a full seven-year accreditation reaffirmation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. She guided the college through pandemic recovery, restoring stability and momentum. Kazama expanded programs at the Palamanui campus and Ko Education Center, including the college’s first drone-certification program and multiple butchery cohorts. She also secured scholarship funding through community partnerships and acquired 16 acres for sustainable agriculture, supporting workforce development and food security on Hawaii Island. A Hilo native, Kazama began her career at Maui and Honolulu Community Colleges before advancing to senior leadership roles across the University of Hawaii system. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. An interim chancellor will be announced in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition. Kazama reflected on her tenure, calling her return to lead Hawaii Community College ‘one of the greatest privileges of her life.’