University of Alaska launches nationwide search for next UAF chancellor

September 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 4, 2025

University of Alaska launches nationwide search for next UAF chancellor

New leader sought to guide Alaska's Arctic university into the future.

(ANCHORAGE) - University of Alaska (UA) President Pat Pitney announced today the launch of a national search for the next chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the flagship research institution of the UA system.

The chancellor serves as UAF's chief executive, overseeing all campus operations and academic programs, and reports to the UA system president and Board of Regents. The new leader will succeed Chancellor Dan White, who retired in July after eight years as chancellor and over 30 years of total service to UAF. Ambassador Mike Sfraga (ret.), Ph.D., a UAF alumnus who most recently served as the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to the Arctic, is currently serving as interim chancellor during the transition. A complete position profile and description are available online at careers.alaska.edu.

"Alaska's public universities are strong and stable, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks is no exception," President Pitney said. "I'm pleased to formally open applications for the next UAF chancellor, and look forward to selecting a dedicated, visionary leader who will guide this storied institution well into the future."

UAF is the Arctic Research University of Alaska and the United States, and is renowned for its Arctic research, Alaska Native and Indigenous programs, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and hands-on, personalized learning. UAF provides a world-class experience - energized by innovative research, community engagement, student-centered teaching and creative expression. With seven campuses across the state and more than 8,500 students from around the world, it offers programs ranging from workforce certificates to Ph.D.s.

The next UAF chancellor will be prepared to shape the university to meet the needs of the state and nation as global interest in the Arctic grows, partner with faculty to envision and expand key academic programs, and innovate to keep pace with evolving student expectations and the changing higher education landscape in America.

Application Process

A search committee will vet the candidates and make finalist recommendations to President Pitney. The committee is co-chaired by UAF Faculty Senate President Dr. Leah Berman and UAF Board of Advisors and UA Foundation Board of Directors member Jason Gootee; the full roster of committee members is available on the UAF Chancellor search site. Two additional committee members will be added in the coming weeks.

A full position profile and description are available online at careers.alaska.edu/uaf-chancellor-job-profile. Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, letter of interest, and contact information of three (3) professional references. The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis on October 20, 2025.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, UA director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell), or via email at [email protected], or Marmian Grimes, UAF communications director at 907-474-7902, or via email at [email protected].