Lynne Waters, the associate vice president for external affairs and university relations for the University of Hawaii System, is leaving her post to become vice president for University Communications at the University of Texas in Arlington.

Her first day will be Feb. 27.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the UT Arlington team at a time when President (Vistasp) Karbhari has set forth such ambitious goals,” Waters said in a press release from her new employer. “UT Arlington is clearly poised to be recognized as a top tier, American public research university, and it will be exhilarating to contribute to the journey by sharing its stories of accomplishment by students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters with the world.”

Lynne Waters

UT

Waters is a native Texan who formerly worked as a television news anchor and reporter. She later owned her own communications consulting firm. Waters joined UH in 2011.

David Lassner, president of the University of Hawaii System, said of Waters, “Her dynamic approach to communications at the University has resulted in advancements on many fronts, especially video and social media. Lynne will be greatly missed by the University of Hawaii. We know she will do well in her new role, and we wish her the best.”

Waters is married to former state Sen. Clayton Hee, a Democrat who unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor in 2014.

Asked whether Hee would accompany his wife to the Lone Star state, Waters told Civil Beat Thursday, “This was a family decision based on an incredible and unsolicited professional opportunity to me offered by the University of Texas at Arlington, a chance to be closer to my mother, and the complete and unconditional support of Clayton Hee.”