Dr. Paul Kraft named new UAS Sitka Campus Director

The University of Alaska Southeast is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Kraft has been selected as the new campus director for the UAS Sitka Campus. He replaces Dr. Math Trafton, who has served as the interim director since the departure of Leslie Gordon. Kraft begins his role on June 29, 2020. 

As Sitka Campus Director, Kraft will serve as the campus’ chief executive officer, responsible for strategic planning and budget management, instructional activities, facilities management, and day-to-day operations. The Director is also part of UAS regional leadership, working in concert with university leaders at the Juneau and Ketchikan campuses. He will work closely with the Sitka Campus Advisory Council to ensure UAS is meeting the needs of the community and region. He will also join other campus directors across Alaska as part of the UA Community Campus Directors Council that advises the University of Alaska president.

As Campus Director, Kraft will report to UAS Provost Karen Carey, who remarked, ”I am very excited to have Dr. Kraft join our team in Southeast Alaska. He has a wealth of experience and will serve Sitka well.”

Dr. Kraft earned his Doctorate of Education degree in Adult and Higher Education Administration from Montana State University - Bozeman. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Guidance from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.

Kraft comes to UAS from Lamar Community College in Colorado, where he served as Director of the My Advancement Plan (MAP) Center. The Center is part of a Title III grant, which provides academic advising, career exploration and transfer assistance services for students -- a service which he created. He has served in student services leadership positions at Treasure Valley Community College in Oregon and the University of New Mexico. Dr. Kraft served previously as Dean of Students and Enrollment Management at UAS from 2001-2006.

UAS Chancellor Rick Caulfield notes, “I’m very pleased to welcome Dr. Kraft back to UAS. He brings a strong focus on adult and community education, which is an important part of our UAS mission. I also want to thank Dr. Trafton for his service as Interim Director as we completed this search. He’s done a terrific job.”

Learn more about the UAS Sitka Campus.