Vance Roley, the long-standing Dean of the University of Hawaii's Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Management, is stepping down from his position. This transition, announced on August 18, 2025, marks the end of a significant era for the college, which has seen numerous changes and developments under Roley's leadership since 2005. His departure presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the institution, and potentially, for the broader business community in Hawaii.
Roley's tenure at the Shidler College of Business has been marked by a commitment to fostering leadership and management skills, crucial for Hawaii's unique business landscape. As the First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Management, Roley has undoubtedly influenced generations of business leaders in the state. According to Wikipedia, Roley was named Dean in January 2005 after 21 years at the University of Washington, where he was also Acting Dean. Before that, he served as economist and Assistant Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
The transition in leadership at the Shidler College of Business is of considerable interest to Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors. The Dean’s role is pivotal in shaping the curriculum, attracting top-tier faculty, and fostering relationships with the local business community. The choice of the next dean will influence the college's strategic direction, potentially impacting the availability of skilled graduates and the focus of research initiatives relevant to Hawaii's economy. The Shidler College also publishes a magazine geared towards alumni, which provides information about the college and its current initiatives Shidler College of Business.
The University of Hawaii's Shidler College of Business is a crucial part of Hawaii's economy. The college has a wide network of connections within the business community, including several prominent business leaders in the state Shidler Group. With the departure of Dean Roley, stakeholders should look into the qualities and experience of the incoming dean. The new leader's vision will likely influence the trajectory of business education in Hawaii, with potential implications for local startups, established companies, and the overall economic development of the state. Understanding the future direction of the Shidler College of Business will be important as the business landscape in Hawaii continues to evolve.
Hawaii Business Magazine also recognized Roley's contributions, naming him Salesperson of the Year by the Honolulu chapter of Sales and Marketing Executives. This recognition indicates his influence on the local business environment.
