In his first public forum with the University of Hawaii community, Francis Wiercinski, one of two finalists for UH presidency, was met with criticism over his ties to the military and his lack of experience in academia.
Wiercinski most recently founded a consulting firm focused on strategic engagement and business development throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Before that he served in several capacities in the U.S. Army, including as a commanding general in the U.S. Army Pacific.
As many as 200 people attended today’s forum, including about 40 students, professors and other vocal members of the public who questioned his military background and its implications for UH. The university, the critics stressed, is supposed to be a Hawaiian place of learning. They argued that the military is antithetical to that goal.
But Wiercinski was also praised by top university officials for his leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
Carl Carlson, who chairs the UH Board of Regents Presidential Selection Committee, said he anticipated the backlash from demilitarization activists, noting that such a reaction is expected at any college campus.
Carlson also said Wiercinski’s humble upbringing makes him all the more fit for the position, suggesting it has instilled in him an even greater appreciation for higher education.
Wiercinski was raised by a coal miner in Pennsylvania and, aside from graduating from U.S. army colleges, has only a bachelor’s degree from West Point.
“Things never worked for me in that (the higher education) direction,” Wiercinski said. “I was always pushing people toward it, but it never came my way. Maybe that’s why I have such a passion for it now.”
Wiercinski responded to members of the audience who interrogated him about his intentions, including those who spoke without being called on. Still, some students told Civil Beat he skirted the hard questions and failed to convince them of his dedication to the university’s Hawaiian values.
— Alia Wong
