Colin McGill named UAA's Vice Provost for Faculty Success

December 20, 2024

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is pleased to announce Colin McGill as the new vice provost of faculty success following a national search. A faculty member since 2011, McGill most recently served as interim vice provost for faculty success beginning in January 2024. He holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology and an M.S. in chemistry from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship with UAA’s WWAMI School of Medical Education.

As vice provost, McGill will lead the Office of Faculty Success, overseeing the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence, the Center for Community Engagement and Learning (CCEL), Instructional Design and Academic Technologies, and Faculty Services. He will also collaborate with Student Success, Academic Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness and UAA’s deans to support faculty development, enhance student learning and foster academic excellence.

“I really enjoyed research, but I’ve found deep fulfillment in leadership roles that support others,” said McGill. “After seven years in leadership, this role felt like a natural fit.” McGill believes that faculty research and creative activities are essential in the modern higher education landscape and plans to support faculty in this area, working closely with the Office of Research.

McGill’s role spans UAA’s Anchorage and community campuses, supporting faculty at all career stages — from new professors to those nearing retirement. He emphasizes the evolving nature of faculty work, noting the shift toward online and hybrid classrooms, particularly after the pandemic. 

“There’s so much more variety now in teaching scenarios and student needs,” McGill said. “It’s an exciting time to be faculty because, while the changes are rapid, people are navigating them remarkably well.”

Looking ahead, McGill plans to expand support for mid-career faculty. His office will roll out new development training in the spring semester, with the potential for broader offerings based on faculty feedback. He’s also working with deans to strengthen promotion and tenure processes and create resources to better prepare faculty for their career milestones. Additionally, he’ll continue expanding his work with CCEL and collaborate with them on UAA’s reclassification for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

“I take this role seriously because I’m an Alaskan,” McGill said. “I’ve experienced the transformative power of the University of Alaska, and I’m honored to contribute to that mission — not just through direct student interaction but by supporting faculty and administrative groups to ensure we’re doing our best for Alaskans.”

Original article published by UAA.

Colin McGill