Date: January 19, 2012

I’m pleased to announce that Mike Driscoll, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, has accepted the position of President at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), effective July 1,2012.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Mike for several years, both when I served as a dean and now as UAA’s chancellor. Though I am thrilled to share the news of his well-deserved promotion, I have mixed feelings about losing such an exceptional colleague and leadership partner. Mike’s dedicated community outreach and academic vision have helped to significantly raise UAA’s reputation in the Alaska and University communities. With Mike’s experience in and contributions to higher education these past 23 years, it comes as no surprise that IUP chose Mike to lead the way as its next president.

We will soon launch a national search for the next Provost, which will take time and careful consideration. We are fortunate that Mike will continue his role as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for the remainder of this academic year. This will allow me the time for consultation and deliberation about an interim provost who could serve until a permanent provost is identified.�

Mike shared this about his time at UAA:

“The last five years at UAA has been marked by significant professional growth, and I am grateful to have been surrounded by a strong team of dedicated, passionate individuals during my tenure. There are many things I’m proud to have been a part of at UAA, but each success was made possible by the support of a terrific team.

Though I’m leaving to take this new post at IUP, I’ll always feel a deep connection to the UAA community. Both of our children will graduate from UAA, and Becky will earn her master’s degree in English from UAA this spring. UAA has truly been an integral part of the Driscoll family these past several years.”

Mike came to UAA in 2006 as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This past July he was promoted to Executive Vice Chancellor. During his tenure at UAA, Mike led the completion of UAA’s Strategic Plan; he provided key leadership and support in the development of UAA’s next generation health programs; he helped lead UAA’s accreditation efforts as a pilot institution; he worked with the UAA Faculty Senate to establish UAA’s University Honors College; and he assisted in the� mplementation of UAA/UAF Joint Ph.D. in Psychology, UAA’s first Ph.D. program, among many other accomplishments.

When Mike takes the helm of IUP in July, he’ll join a community of more than 15,000 students at a university that offers 133 undergraduate, 55 master’s and 10 doctoral degree programs. IUP has 750 faculty members and 853 administration and staff members, and is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Please join me in congratulating Mike on this exciting new position with IUP.