University of Hawai`i Hilo Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Randy Hirokawa has been selected to represent the Pacific West Conference at an NCAA leadership institute this weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Hirokawa will be attending the fourth NCAA Division II FAR (faculty athletic representative) Advanced Leadership Institute, Friday through Sunday (Sept. 29-Oct. 1). Among the topics scheduled to be discussed by FAR representatives from across the country include helping student-athletes better articulate their platform of modeling inclusion, student engagement and leadership development, mental health and wellness programs, and service learning.

"This is a great opportunity and a nice honor for Dr. Hirokawa to attend the FAR Advanced Leadership Institute," said UH Hilo athletic Director Patrick Guillen.  "He will bring back to UH Hilo valuable information and resources that he will be able to use as our Faculty Athletics Representative and also present at the Pacific West Conference meetings in the summer."

The institute will also focus on how FAR's can engage in strategic conversations with faculty about the value of intercollegiate athletics within higher education.

"This is an important topic as we strive to bridge the gap between academics and athletics," said Hirokawa, who is formerly the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UH Hilo, and is now a professor of Communication and Director and Pre-Nursing advisor. "This is timely because tight budgets sometimes cause faculty and others to question whether athletics has value in higher education.

"Being selected to this advanced leadership institute is an honor and a privilege because selection is highly competitive and only a dozen or so FARs from across the country are invited to participate," he said.

Dr. Hirokawa has been in his role at UH Hilo since 2005.

"Dr. Hirokawa takes this role very seriously and is highly involved in working with me to ensure that we are providing the very best student-athlete experience possible here at UH Hilo," Guillen added.  "This professional development session will only help him and us in expanding on this goal."