The University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously approved retired university executive Doris Ching as interim chancellor of the UH-West Oahu campus, effective Jan. 1.

The board approved a three-month "casual appointment" at a $16,667 monthly salary. Ching will replace UH-West Oahu Chancellor Rockne Freitas, who is retiring at the end of the year.

Ching, a former middle school teacher, began her career at UH in 1969 as an associate professor of education. She was later named associate dean of the College of Education at UH-Manoa and also served as assistant to the system president. Ching was the first woman appointed as a vice president at the university when in 1987 she was named vice president for student affairs for UH-Manoa and the 10-campus system. She retired in 2005.

"UH-West Oahu is a very special campus with an educational mission so vital to its surrounding community and the entire state," Ching said in a statement. "Though, in many ways, I could never fill the shoes of Dr. Rockne Freitas, I intend to continue his unwavering commitment and traditions he established to provide high-quality education that will make the UH system, the community and our students thrive, succeed and be proud to be associated with this university that cares deeply about all students and their families."

Ching returned to UH earlier this year to serve as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, or chief academic officer, at UH-West Oahu, where she earns $13,340 a month.

She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in secondary education from UH-Manoa. Her doctorate in education, with a focus in educational administration and supervision, is from Arizona State University.

UH President David Lassner has said he will name a search advisory committee to help conduct a nationwide search for a permanent chancellor, which he expects will take six to nine months.