UH close to naming committee to aid in new AD search

The University of Hawaii is reportedly close to naming a committee to aid in the search for a new Manoa athletic director.

Officials are said to be finalizing the process and an announcement could come as soon as this week, according to a person briefed on the subject.

Media spokesman Dan Meisenzahl declined comment Monday "until everything is finalized. This is something everyone has been working earnestly on. This is very serious, so UH wants to make sure it is done properly," Meisenzahl said.

Ben Jay, who was named to the position Dec. 4, 2012 for a three-year term, announced his resignation 28 days ago, citing personal and family reasons. It is to become effective June 30, UH has said.

As of Monday the school hadn’t advertised the opening.

Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman has been fielding nominations for a committee to help select Jay’s replacement.

The committee is expected to include both UH employees and community members but not be as large as the 15-member group impaneled by former Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple that eventually recommended Jay.

According to Bley-Vroman’s timeline announced in December, the AD search is to commence this month with the goal of having Jay’s successor "in place before mid-2015."