University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
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Fairbanks, Alaska — Dr. Howard Cutler, the first chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, died early this morning at his home in Fairbanks of Parkinson’s disease and prostate cancer. He was 77.
During a sweeping reorganization of the University of Alaska system in 1975, chancellors were appointed to oversee programs at the state’s three urban centers in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Cutler assumed responsibility of the Fairbanks campus, considered the flagship of the university system, overseeing its research and academic programs until 1981.
During Cutler’s term as chancellor, UAF became a Sea-Grant Institution and experienced dramatic growth, including development of a petroleum engineering department, and programs in computer technology and resource management. Under Cutler’s stewardship, UAF expanded its horizons to develop ties and exchanges with Pacific Rim universities.
Early in his term, Cutler insisted on increased faculty leadership in academic affairs. Particularly sensitive to the social responsibilities of his office, Cutler spent much time meeting with Fairbanks community leaders and supporting programs in the Interior.
Born in Webster City, Iowa, on April 27, 1918, Cutler worked his way through the University of Iowa (UI) as a cook, gardener, housekeeper and
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chauffeur. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Iowa in 1940 and received a master’s degree in economics a year later.
Cutler’s UI master’s thesis was the first in the history of the university’s economics department to be published in a national journal.
From 1943 - 1946, Cutler served in the U.S. Navy in Guam and Saipan as a supply and disbursing officer.
In 1943, Cutler received a Certificate of Graduation from Harvard University and in 1953 received his doctorate in economics from Columbia University.
He began his teaching career in 1946 as an instructor of economics at UI and has held faculty positions in economics at the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago and Penn State University.
Former UA President William Wood, also a University of Iowa graduate, appointed Cutler in 1962 to the post of vice president for academic affairs for the University of Alaska, a position he held until 1966.
From 1966 to 1976, Cutler served as senior vice president of the Institute of International Education in New York City. The institute administers foreign exchange programs including Fulbright grants.
In 1976, Cutler returned to Fairbanks as chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His return to Alaska was requested by more than 100 members of the Fairbanks business community, all of whom had signed a petition supporting his appointment as UAF’s first chancellor.
Cutler was a prolific contributor to academic and economic journals. He served as managing editor of The Journal of General Education from 1960 - 1962 and contributed articles to major publications throughout his lifetime. academic and economic journals. He served as managing editor of The Journal of General Education from 1960 - 1962 and contributed articles to major publications throughout his lifetime.
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His expertise in economics and academics was sought by committees, boards and advisory councils nationally and internationally. He also was a world traveler, visiting nearly every continent on the globe.
In 1981, Cutler assumed the position of Regent’s Professor of Economics at UAF. At UAF’s 1983 Commencement, the university conferred upon him the rank of Chancellor Emeritus and Regent’s Professor of Economics, Emeritus. The Howard Cutler Award for Excellence in Economic Education was established in his honor and is given annually to Alaskan teachers in primary and secondary education.
In 1989, Cutler was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award by the University of Iowa Alumni Association, which described him as “a common man with an uncommon touch.” The University of Iowa recognized Cutler for his work to pioneer higher education in Alaska.
Stricken with Parkinson’s disease in 1981, Cutler remained active in community and university affairs until his death.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Enid Ellison Cutler, and the couple’s children: Cheryl, Kristen and Thor.
A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20, in the Charles Davis Concert Hall on the UAF campus.
Free parking will be available in the lots closest to Farmer’s Loop and at the entrance of Fairbanks Street. Warm-up huts are available in these lots. Additional shuttle bus service will be provided to upper campus beginning at 4:30 p.m. Parking in decal lots will also be available.
UAF police officers and community service officers will be assisting and directing traffic for the memorial service.
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CONTACT: Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations Karen Cedzo,