Next steps for Nanooks athletics

June 12, 2019

Marmian Grimes

Dear Nanook Nation:

I am honored to be assuming a new role at UAF as vice chancellor for student affairs and athletics, taking on the role of athletic director in addition to leading UAF’s student affairs division. I believe in UAF, Nanooks athletics and the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks.

We have something very special here. We have some of the best student athletes in the country, and we have a university and a community that believe in us and want us to be successful. I am committed to building a program that our students, faculty, staff and community will be proud to support and celebrate.

In the coming months, I plan to focus on strengthening our fundraising, community engagement, outreach and marketing efforts to better connect with the Fairbanks and surrounding communities, and on creating new partnerships. I also plan to further integrate athletics into the student affairs division to ensure UAF’s student athletes are highly engaged in all aspects of campus life and better supported throughout their academic careers.

If we work together, we can and will surpass all expectations for Nanooks athletics. Every single one of you is important to our vision and success going forward.

I acknowledge that we face some challenges but I also see many exciting opportunities ahead. After all, we are in the great state of Alaska and in the Golden Heart City. Here, the impossible becomes possible and the impractical becomes practical.

Thank you very much for your continued support and belief in Nanooks athletics.

Go Nooks!

Keith Champagne,
Vice chancellor for student affairs and athletics