A projected economic cool-down could be bad for those seeking money from the state legislature, including the University of Hawaii.

But as UH and the state look to improve the public college system, including athletics, the medical school is taking its own steps to find other money and could provide a good model.

UH-Manoa leaders brought lawmakers to see the parts of the campus in desperate need of repair funds this week, but another part of the school shows what investment can bring about -- $150 million John A. Burns School of Medicine.

"It is one that's a jewel, physically and intellectually," said campus Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

The Kakaako campus has it all -- the beauty, the brains, and a new boss ready to gain Hawaii attention for something other than football.

"I think this is a school that's poised for greatness," said Dr. Jerris Hedges, just appointed dean of the school.

The facility was built on the promise of financial self sufficiency by then-President Evan Dobelle. But nearly 3 years after the new site opened, the state remains heavily invested to the tune of $30 million a year.

The new dean says state funding ties can't be cut.

"I think there will always be some investment that will be necessary in the form of governmental support,” Hedges said. “Our goal is to develop other revenue streams to support this effort."
And that's substantial for the medical school -- including $41 million in research grants and growing, plus another $59 million from such things as tuition, partnerships and donations.

The new dean comes from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine, which raked in $300 million last year in research funds alone.

He says Hawaii’s medical school has room to grow.

"We're really at the beginning,” Hedges said. “We have much to do in terms of building a research program."

It’s the kind of building that could cushion against the uncertainty of state funds whether here at the medical school or systemwide.

The new dean will be paid $500,000 annually on a three-year contract.