Professor Nathan Murata has been tapped to take over as dean of the College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on Jan. 1, replacing Donald B. Young, who is retiring.

Murata is a professor and graduate chair of the college’s Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. He joined the UH College of Education in 1997 as an assistant professor and has served as interim associate dean for academic affairs.

“Professor Murata has a passion for teaching and for bringing leading-edge research into the classroom,” said Michael Bruno, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and vice chancellor for research. “He is the perfect person to lead the college as it continues to expand its impact at UH Manoa and throughout the state.”

Murata earned his Ph.D. in health and physical education from Ohio State University and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in secondary education from UH Manoa. He taught at Chaminade University and the University of Toledo before being hired at UH.

Interim Chancellor David Lassner thanked Young “for his remarkable 47 years of service to UH Manoa, including the last five as dean.”