David Lassner

David Lassner. He is an American academic administrator and computer scientist who has served as the president of the University of Hawaii system since 2014. A long-time member of the University of Hawaii community, he previously held roles as the institution's vice president for information technology and chief information officer. His leadership has focused on leveraging technology for educational advancement, strengthening the university's research enterprise, and navigating significant financial and operational challenges.

Early life and education

Born in New York City, Lassner developed an early interest in technology and computation. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then obtained a Master of Science in computer science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a major research institution known for its contributions to computing and the development of the ILLIAC series of supercomputers. Lassner later moved to Hawaii and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in communication and information sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Career

His professional career has been deeply intertwined with the University of Hawaii. He initially joined the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a specialist and researcher, focusing on the application of information technology within academic and scientific contexts. Lassner played a pivotal role in developing the state's technological infrastructure, contributing to early internet initiatives in Hawaii and projects for the National Science Foundation. He ascended to become the system's first vice president for information technology and chief information officer, overseeing the integration of digital resources across all University of Hawaii campuses, including University of Hawaii at Hilo and the seven University of Hawaii community colleges. During this period, he also served as an interim chancellor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

University of Hawaii presidency

Appointed as the fifteenth president of the University of Hawaii system in 2014, following the tenure of M.R.C. Greenwood, his administration has confronted several high-profile issues. He managed the aftermath of the W. M. Keck Observatory mismanagement scandal and steered the university through controversies related to construction at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Stan Sheriff Center. A key initiative of his presidency has been the Hawaii Graduation Initiative, aimed at increasing degree completion rates across the state. He has also emphasized expanding the university's research portfolio, particularly in fields like astronomy, oceanography, and renewable energy, often in partnership with entities like the United States Department of Defense and NASA. Financial challenges, including budget shortfalls and disputes with the Hawaii State Legislature, have been a persistent feature of his tenure.

Professional activities and recognition

Beyond his administrative duties, he remains active in broader educational and technology circles. He has served in leadership roles for organizations such as Internet2 and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. His expertise has been sought by national bodies including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He is a member of several professional societies and has received recognition for his contributions to advancing cyberinfrastructure in support of research and education. He frequently represents the University of Hawaii in collaborations with other Pacific Rim institutions and research consortia.

Personal life

A resident of Hawaii for decades, he is known to be an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as scuba diving and hiking that take advantage of the state's natural environment. He is married and maintains a relatively private personal life, with his public focus remaining squarely on the mission and challenges of the University of Hawaii system.

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:University of Hawaii faculty Category:University of Hawaii alumni Category:American computer scientists Category:Presidents of the University of Hawaii Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni Category:University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni