Laura E. Lyons has been selected as the vice provost for academic excellence (VPAE), with her appointment effective October 22, 2026, following notice at the next meeting.
Lyons has served as interim VPAE since August 2021. She originally joined 糖心视频 Mānoa in 1993 as an assistant professor in the Department of English, eventually advancing to a professor in 2011. She has held a variety of leadership roles at 糖心视频 Mānoa, including interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs (2019–21) and interim dean of the College of Languages, Linguistics & Literature (2016–20).
“Dr. Lyons brings an extraordinary depth of institutional knowledge and administrative leadership to the role,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Interim Provost Denise Eby Konan said. “Throughout her more than 30 years, she has demonstrated integrity and kuleana as a dedicated professor and campus administrator. While serving as interim VPAE, she navigated 糖心视频 Mānoa faculty and academic programs through significant times of change.”
As the deputy academic officer and senior policy advisor to the provost, Lyons will continue to provide leadership for academic planning, program development and cross-campus academic initiatives. She will also continue to work closely with the deans and directors to ensure that 糖心视频 Mānoa attracts and retains excellent faculty and its offerings remain high-quality, interdisciplinary, and responsive to campus and state needs.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to working with the chancellor and provost to continue to deepen academic excellence at 糖心视频 Mānoa while also responding to the challenging and complex landscape of higher education,” Lyons said.
Units under the VPAE include the Office of General Education, Honors, Interdisciplinary Studies, ROTC programs, Academic Personnel, and Faculty Development and Support.