After 35 years working in higher education in Hawaiʻi — across five campuses statewide — Susan Kazama is calling Hawai‘i Island home again. Kazama, born and raised in Hilo, returned in July 2023 to serve as Hawai‘i Community College’s interim chancellor. One year later, she takes the helm officially, effective July 19, 2024. Among Kazama’s top priorities for the college are workforce development, student success, indigenous values, sustainability, and campus safety.