University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno was awarded the 2024 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region VI President’s Award, recognizing his leadership and commitment to advancing the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and initiatives. Bruno received the award at the Western Regional Conference in San Diego in November.
Bruno has served as UH Mānoa’s Provost since 2019 and previously as vice chancellor for research. He has earned praise for his dedication to students, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires. Colleagues have commended his transformative impact on the university and the broader community.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed—not just academically, but in all aspects of their development,” said Bruno.“This award is actually a reflection of and a testament to the dedication and hard work of my colleagues at UH Mānoa. Together, we’ve created a supportive environment that empowers all students to reach their full potential. It’s about fostering a campus culture where students can thrive and become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Student-centered leadership
Lori Ideta, vice provost for student success (retired in 2023), highlighted Bruno’s prioritization of student well-being, even during crises. Reflecting on his leadership during the pandemic, she said, “Provost Bruno was acutely aware of the essential staff’s unwavering commitment to student success, even when their own healths were at risk. He was, and remains, their biggest cheerleader.”
Colleagues also noted Bruno’s commitment to equity and student support services, including mental health resources, disability access, and advocacy for military-connected students. Ideta underscored his determination to preserve vital student and academic affairs programs during financially challenging times, even as many campuses faced budget cuts—an approach she described as a defining example of his student-centered leadership.
Laura Lyons, interim vice provost for academic excellence, credited Bruno’s personal experience as a first-generation college student for shaping his holistic approach to leadership. “He and his twin were the first in his family to attend college, so he knows the generational challenges and opportunities his parents’ migration made possible and that experience resonates with many UH Mānoa students, helping them see that they are not so different from this man who leads their campus.”
Bruno’s leadership was also evident during the recent Maui wildfires. Lyons said, “He understands that, while immediate needs are overwhelming and must be addressed, we, as a university, must demonstrate that our commitment will last as long as necessary.”
Impact on research, graduate student support
An ocean engineer by training, Bruno is passionate about research. He understands firsthand the impact that research opportunities can have on students and has championed programs that provide the resources necessary for students to succeed.
With his support, UH Mānoa has allocated more than $4.5 million to fund the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) since its inception a few years ago, enabling transformative undergraduate research and capstone projects.
Mark Willingham, Jr., president of the Graduate Student Organization, also commended Bruno’s transparent leadership and advocacy for graduate students, including increasing graduate assistant pay, improving grievance policies and implementing sick and bereavement leave.
“Every institution should have a Dr. Michael Bruno, but there is only one, and we’re so fortunate to have him. His impact is palpable and contagious in all the great ways leaders should be,” said Nikki Kāhealani Chun, vice provost for enrollment management, who credits Bruno for fostering her professional growth and leadership as a Native Hawaiian and first-generation college graduate.
