MANOA, Hawaii -- Thursday was the final board meeting for outgoing University of Hawaii President David McClain before his successor MRC Greenwood takes over next month.

McClain's last day is not till July 30. He will still be at work until then, but on Thursday he welcomed his replacement and said his goodbyes.

"Mahalo nui loa, Windy and I are grateful for your support over the last five years," McClain told the board members.

The board gave McClain a standing ovation for a job well done.

McClain's legacy may very well be the growth and stability following a tumultuous time under his predecessor Evan Dobelle.

McClain leaves proudest of the strides made for Native Hawaiians as well as efforts to diversify the state's economy and to help find new resources of funding.

"We had centennial campaign that was off the charts successful," McClain said.

An effort by the university foundation exceeded its goal of $250 million raising $336 million over the last six years. UH faculty brought in $412 million in research grants in what some said is the university's best year yet, despite an economic downturn.

McClain passes the baton to incoming president Greenwood, a former high school drum major.

"I feel like I will be ready to walk into the office and begin the hard work of getting from beat up to upbeat," she said.

UH is facing a 26 percent budget shortfall and collective bargaining issues are still unresolved.

Greenwood hopes to share her goals when she steps into the office Aug. 24. Greenwood's appointment has not been without controversy.

The head of the UH faculty union objected to granting Greenwood automatic tenure in the school of medicine.

"I would argue that it's not necessary for the president of the system," University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Executive Director J.N. Musto said.

While tenure may have been offered under terms of Greenwood's contract, Musto urged the board to change the policy going forward.