Chancellor search underway at the University of Alaska Southeast

Last November, Chancellor Rick Caulfield announced his intention to retire in June 2020. At the direction of UA President Jim Johnsen, the search process began immediately, starting with the creation of a representative search committee and a timeline for the search. The committee includes representatives from UAS governance groups, campus advisory councils, and community partners.

Professor Robin Gilcrist, chair of the committee, remarked: "As chair of the search committee, I'm proud to note that we have been able to create a diverse and representational committee, including members from all three UAS campus communities, as well as faculty, staff, and students. We have also been able to include a community advisory council member in each area. It is key that we include input from as many of our stakeholder groups as possible as we assist President Johnsen in making this important decision."

As the hiring authority for the UAS Chancellor, UA President Jim Johnsen has selected Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates to assist with this important process. Founded in 2007 to specialize in senior-level higher education search, Storbeck/Pimentel provides depth and breadth in working with colleges and universities across the country, having placed senior leaders at colleges and universities, small and large, public and private, in 47 states.  Their focus is on creating a pool of candidates with individuals who are accomplished, diverse, and visionary.

The search timeline began with a visit from Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates in which they met with stakeholder groups in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, including faculty, staff, students, leadership, and community council members. The position is now being advertised both in Alaska and nationally, and online at careers.alaska.edu, job #514423.

Later this spring, finalists will visit all three campuses, and there will be opportunities for input from community members in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka prior to a decision being made by President Johnsen. Progress on the search and a full position description can be found at uas.alaska.edu/chancellor/chancellor-search.html. It is expected that Chancellor Caulfield’s successor will take the reins at UAS in July 2020.