STUDENT SERVICES DEAN APPOINTED VICE CHANCELLOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 1999

Fairbanks, Alaska - University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Joan Wadlow has combined two more high level administrative positions at UAF by appointing Dean of Student Services Carla Kirts as Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Services and University Relations, effective immediately. Kirts has been interim vice chancellor of university relations and advancement since June of last year following the retirement of Karen Cedzo.

Kirts will continue as student services dean while at the same time overseeing marketing, communication and public relations activities at UAF. The dean of student services, previously a vice chancellor-level position, oversees a wide range of services to students enrolled at UAF, some of which include admissions, athletics, the bookstore, health and counseling services, student activities and residence life.

Kirts' dual appointment is part of ongoing administrative downsizing initiated by Wadlow several years ago. Beginning in 1993, the chancellor consolidated the tasks of vice chancellor for academic affairs and vice chancellor for research and graduate studies into the single position of provost. Most recently, she appointed Frank Williams as vice chancellor for administrative services while he continues his other major administrative tasks as director of the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center.

"Flexibility and the ability to wear multiple hats during these periods of rapid change are a reality at our institution," said Wadlow. "Fortunately, we have extremely

talented and committed employees who can meet these challenges. Now, it makes sense to have university relations affiliated with student services given our increased emphasis on enrollment and recruiting. It is also part of our continued move to merge positions and continue the delivery of services without interruption."

Kirts, an associate professor of agricultural education, was named dean of student services in 1993. She has been at UAF since 1981 and received the 1992 Distinguished Teaching Award by the Western Region of the American Association of Agriculture Education, the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks 1992 Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award and the 1993 UAF Academic Advising Award.

"I'm looking forward to continuing in my role of connecting academics, student affairs and community outreach," Kirts said. "My working in dual positions is no different than the challenges facing many of our staff on a daily basis as we continue to move forward in times of financial constraints."

Kirts went on to say that an increased effort to inform Alaskans about the opportunities students have at UAF is key to boosting enrollment. "It's hard to find a better value in terms of costs and quality of education available at UAF. Students find small classes, the chance to work one-on-one with some of the nation's top scientists and researchers, an affordable education and an academic reputation that's indisputable."

Kirts earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in natural resource management at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has taught sixth grade through graduate school and continued to teach until recently an introductory natural resources management class while carrying out her administrative duties at student services.

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CONTACT: UAF Public Information Officer Debra Damron (907) 474-7122.

DPD/2-10-99/99-049