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Dec. 8, 2025
Dear UAF community,
This week presents an important opportunity for each of you to participate in the
searches for both UAF’s permanent chancellor and the future president of the University
of Alaska system.
WittKieffer, a national executive search firm assisting with both of the searches,
will be on campus Dec. 9-10 to work with members of the UAF search committee and conduct
listening sessions with UAF and UA stakeholders.
I encourage you to participate in this important effort. A full schedule is available
on the UAF chancellor search page. If you can’t make a session but still want to add your voice to the process, the
firm has provided anonymous online surveys for both searches. Following are the links
to each:
Please note that the WittKieffer team will be gathering input on both the UAF chancellor
search and the UA president search.
The timelines for the president and chancellor searches have been aligned to allow
the UAF chancellor search committee to coordinate its efforts with WittKieffer. By
doing so, the committee seeks to expand the applicant pool for UAF’s next leader.
I also take this opportunity to thank the many members of the UAF and Fairbanks community,
as well as friends and colleagues throughout the state, U.S. and abroad, who continue
to encourage me to apply for the chancellor’s position and, most recently, the UA
presidency.
On my first day as interim chancellor, I stated publicly that I would not apply for
the permanent position and would focus my efforts on the 2025-2026 academic year.
So, as the University of Alaska embarks upon the selection of two critical leadership
positions, I want to offer additional clarity. While I will continue to support our
university, community and state, regardless of what comes next for me professionally,
I have not been, nor do I intend to be, a candidate for UAF’s next chancellor, nor
will I apply to be president of the University of Alaska system.
UAF is a special institution: dynamic and engaged throughout the state, nation and
world. It’s an innovative institution with expertise in a broad range of Arctic- and
Arctic research-related fields and endeavors, with a dedication to student success
that is reflected each day in the hard work of our faculty, staff and students.
I will continue to work hard and remain focused on the priorities I shared during
our fall convocation until May 30, 2026, my last day as interim chancellor.
Please take some time this week to share your feedback with WittKieffer. It’s vital
that they learn what both UAF and the system need in their leaders today and in the
future. You know our university well and have the opportunity to help shape its future.
I believe leadership positions at UAF and UA need individuals who are more motivated
by the mission of our university and less by the title. Your input, perspective and
understanding of our unique institution will be critical in identifying and selecting
our next two leaders.
Sincerely,
Mike
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