La Belle-Hamer named vice chancellor for research
Jan. 19, 2022
Last May, we launched a nationwide search for our next vice chancellor for research (VCR). I am pleased to announce that Nettie La Belle-Hamer will serve as UAF’s next vice chancellor for research.
La Belle-Hamer served as UAF’s interim VCR since May 2020 and the director of the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) since 2002. A lifelong Alaskan, she received her bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1985, and her master’s and Ph.D. in space physics at UAF in 1988 and 1994, respectively.
Under her direction since 2002, ASF became a strong program in remote-sensing data access. La Belle-Hamer developed new business opportunities and kept ASF at the forefront of the satellite data industry by focusing on high-quality, on-time data delivery, exemplary customer service and visionary product development efforts. Developing and maintaining ASF’s relationships with U.S. and foreign government research agencies, as well as a wide array of domestic and international partners, required her to use an unusual combination of scientific, management, and leadership skills. La Belle-Hamer will be stepping down from her role as ASF director to become UAF’s VCR. The Geophysical Institute will initiate a nationwide search for a new ASF director.
I want to thank committee chair Professor Mat Wooller, the committee members and the faculty, staff and students who participated in the forums and provided feedback on the candidates. Please join me in congratulating VC La Belle-Hamer on her new role building capacity and depth in the research and development interests of UAF.
— Dan White, chancellor
University of Alaska Fairbanks