January 27, 2015

For Immediate Release
Jan. 27, 2015

University of Alaska Commences Presidential Search

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved a presidential search plan at its Jan. 22 and 23 meeting in Anchorage. Academic Search, Inc. has been contracted to facilitate a focused search effort with the goal of approving a new president in May 2015.  

President Patrick K. Gamble informed the board in Dec. that he would retire June 1, 2015. During his tenure, the university developed Shaping Alaska's Future to address issues identified through an extensive outreach effort. The initiative outlines 23 effects or outcomes the institution is working on to ensure UA is serving the learning, research, economic, social and cultural needs of Alaska and Alaskans. UA is already seeing performance improvements in such areas as improved graduation rates and more degrees and certificates in high demand areas such as engineering, health disciplines and teacher education. 

Regent Mary K. Hughes will lead the search process and chair an ex-officio presidential search advisory committee composed of board members; student, faculty and staff representatives; UA Foundation leaders; and members of the public. The role of the committee will be to review candidates and recommend a short list of candidates to the Board of Regents whose authority it is to hire the university president. Once finalized, a list of committee members will be posted on the presidential search website (http://www.alaska.edu/bor/presidential-search/).

The Presidential Search website has a comprehensive presidential profile and information on how to apply for the position. According to Jo Heckman, chair of the University Board of Regents, "We have been fortunate to have Pat Gamble as our president during the past five years. He leaves the university in a strong position as it faces significant changes in the higher education landscape and challenging fiscal times for Alaska. We are looking for a strong leader to keep us moving forward."

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Information contact: Carla Beam, Vice President of University Relations, cjbeam@alaska.edu, 907-786-1359

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