HILO, Hawai'i – University of Hawai'i at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin was designated chair of the Pacific West Conference Executive Board for the 2026-27 academic year.
Composed of university presidents and chancellors from member institutions across Hawai'i and California, the PacWest Conference Executive Board provides strategic direction, policy oversight and administrative governance for the NCAA Division II. In her leadership role, Irwin will steer the PacWest through a rapidly changing landscape in NCAA intercollegiate athletics, addressing national governance reforms, student-athlete welfare and institutional sustainability.
"We are pleased to have Chancellor Irwin serving as our chair of the PacWest Conference Executive Board," PacWest Conference Commissioner Brad Jones said. "Her thoughtful perspective, understanding of the PacWest and appreciation for the evolving landscape of college athletics will serve our membership well. I greatly value her leadership and service, and I look forward to working closely with her throughout the year."
Irwin has served as chancellor of UH Hilo since 2019, bringing decades of executive experience in higher education administration, strategic planning and institutional governance. Under her leadership, UH Hilo has emphasized student success, regional engagement and strong support for Vulcans Athletics.
"It is an honor to serve as chair during such a pivotal time in collegiate athletics," Irwin said. "I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across the conference to ensure the PacWest continues to promote academic success, athletic competitive excellence and transformative opportunities for our student-athletes."
As chair, Irwin will guide executive decision-making to maintain competitive balance and financial stability while strengthening the conference's unified vision across all sponsored sports.
PACWEST CONFERENCE
The Pacific West Conference is one of 23 NCAA Division II athletic conferences nationwide featuring member institutions across California and Hawai'i. The PacWest is committed to academic achievement, athletic excellence and community engagement. The conference sponsors all 12 of Vulcans Athletics sports: baseball, basketball (men's and women's), cross country (women's), golf (men's and women's), soccer (men's and women's), softball, tennis (men's and women's) and volleyball (women's).
Its 10 member institutions are Biola University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Concordia University Irvine, Dominican University of California, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hawai'i Pacific University, Jessup University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Vanguard University and Westmont College.
