UA Leadership

Climate specialist Rick Thoman receives NOAA career award

June 02, 2020

Richard "Rick" Thoman, an Alaska climate specialist with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy at the International Arctic Research Center is a 2020 recipient of a NOAA Distinguished Career Award for Professional Achievement. The award recognizes individual NOAA employees -- present and recently retired, such as Thoman -- who have made long-term contributions and commitments to accomplishing NOAA goals.

Cameron Wohlford named director of Design and Construction

May 20, 2020

Cameron Wohlford has been selected as the director of the Division of Design and Construction. Wohlford has been serving as interim director for the last year and was selected for the position through a regular recruitment process.

UAA announces new leadership hires for diversity, academics, research

May 15, 2020

As you know, there have been a number of recruitments underway for key UAA leadership positions. I am pleased to announce the university's recent hire of our chief diversity officer, provost and vice provost for research. Some faces are new, while some are familiar to us. I will also share important updates regarding existing personnel.

Geophysical Institute director joins space research board

May 15, 2020

Robert McCoy, director of the Geophysical Institute at UAF, was elected to the governing board of the Universities Space Research Association, or USRA, in early May. USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation that promotes the advancement of space-related science, technology and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities, conducts other major research and educational programs and has close ties with NASA.

Lawrence Duffy wins award for supporting students in chemical sciences

May 15, 2020

Lawrence K. Duffy was the 2020 awardee of American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences.

Robert Ziel receives 2019 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

May 15, 2020

Robert "Zeke" Ziel, of the Alaska Fire Science Consortium, has been named a recipient of the 2019 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Leadership Subcommittee.

UAA announces new Kodiak College director

May 15, 2020

As noted in my email last week, I'm writing to announce that Ms. Jacelyn Keys will join UAA as the director of Kodiak College. Jacelyn has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and has focused on creating a dynamic, vibrant, inclusive, students-first learning environment. She currently serves as the Hermiston Center director at Blue Mountain Community College in Oregon.

Kathy Catron named UAF police chief

May 15, 2020

Kathy Catron has been selected as the new university police chief after a competitive search. Catron will lead the UAF Police Department after the retirement of Steve Goetz this spring. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Catron started her law enforcement career in 1997 after graduating from the Sitka Trooper Academy. After serving as an Alaska state trooper, she joined UAF Police Department in 2000.

Matthew Cooper named University of Alaska General Counsel

May 06, 2020

University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen has named Matthew Cooper as the university's next General Counsel. Cooper's appointment follows the retirement of UA's current General Counsel Michael Hostina in June. The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer to the Board of Regents, statewide administration and all campuses throughout the university system.

Dr. Terry Nelson named Associate Dean for UAA's College of Business and Public Policy

April 29, 2020

Dr. Terry Nelson has been named the Associate Dean for the College of Business and Public Policy after a search for a new associate dean was conducted. She will assume her new position on Monday, April 27, 2020.