HONOLULU -- Former University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle is set to leave the islands for the East Coast, according to his attorney, Rick Fried.

Dobelle is expected to be named as the next president of the nonprofit New England Board of Higher Education. He would begin in December.

A member of the search committee said they were aware of Dobelle's resignation at UH, but dismissed it because his credentials impressed them.

The new position Dobelle is expected to take will have no effect on Dobelle's settlement with the University of Hawaii, Fried said.

The UH Board of Regents Friday also named David McClain interim president of the university. McClain signed a two-year contract worth $325,000 a year. He will live at College Hill and also receive a $326 monthly car allowance.

McClain will also be paid a one-year $190,000 sabbatical after completing his two-year appointment.