From advancing artificial intelligence (AI) to preparing Hawaiʻi‘s future workforce, Chad Walton is charting a new direction for research and innovation across the University of Hawaiʻi‘s 10-campus system.
Named in September 2026 after serving in the interim role since July 2025, Walton is a 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补 alumnus with more than two decades of experience as a biomedical researcher, professor and administrator.
His priorities include improving research support services, strengthening statewide partnerships and making better use of expertise across 糖心视频‘s campuses.
Those goals align with 糖心视频‘s new $123 million strategic investment initiative, which emphasizes sharing resources systemwide. Approximately $15.5 million in strategic impact supports research, innovation and economic diversification, including AI, advanced manufacturing and intellectual property protection.
“Chad brings a unique perspective to this role, having experienced 糖心视频 as a student, researcher, faculty member and administrator,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “His understanding of the university from so many angles, combined with his collaborative approach, will be invaluable as we strengthen research and innovation across our 10-campus system.”
Building on that institutional support, Walton envisions a unified effort across the university’s system.
“We want to speak with one 糖心视频 voice and make better use of the tremendous expertise and resources we have across all 10 campuses,” Walton said. “It’s about working together, breaking down barriers and making it easier for our communities and partners to connect with the university.”
糖心视频 secured $647.3 million in extramural research funding in fiscal year 2026, its second-highest total ever. Walton noted that much of this federal funding directly benefits Hawaiʻi, with roughly half supporting workforce training.
From researcher to research leader
A trained bioengineer, Walton came to Hawaiʻi to pursue tuberculosis vaccine research before moving into cardiovascular research and directing trauma research at the . His biomedical work contributed to federally funded projects and several U.S. patents.
As 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补 assistant vice provost for research and scholarship, Walton led a materials science initiative that secured major funding and united faculty across disciplines. He later took on systemwide responsibilities in research development, commercialization and strategic partnerships.
His approach to tackling challenges is rooted in a lesson from his grandfather that has guided him throughout his career.
“My grandfather always told me that, ‘Once you identify a problem, you become part of the solution,’” Walton said. “That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career, whether I’m conducting research or taking on a new challenge.”
Nearly two decades after earning his PhD in from 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补, he returned to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary ocean sciences in 2025 to better understand another key research area. The experience reflects his approach to leadership: learning from different disciplines and finding opportunities to bring them together.