Michael Powers

UAF Chancellor 2015-2016

Michael K. Powers
Michael K. Powers

Michael K. Powers was appointed UAF’s interim chancellor by University of Alaska President Pat Gamble in July 2015 and officially assumed the role Sept. 1. Powers was an executive at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for nearly three decades, first as chief financial officer and, for the past 20 years, as chief executive officer. He was also a member of the UA Board of Regents since 2011, serving as chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee and as board secretary, treasurer and, most recently, vice chair. (He resigned from the board of regents after his appointment as chancellor.)

In his interim role, Powers helped the new president, Jim Johnsen, launch a search for the permanent chancellor. (Johnsen replaced Gamble, who retired in August 2015.) In the meantime, Powers provided leadership to UAF, continuing the process of identifying and strengthening its core academic areas, and navigating the tough financial terrain due to Alaska’s economic condition. 

Powers holds a master's degree in health services administration from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in Anglo-Irish literature from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Powers and his wife, Teri Spires, have three grown children.