Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, Dr. Dana Thomas, has announced his retirement after more than three decades of service to the University. His last day will be Dec. 31, 2014.

In a letter to President Gamble, Dr. Thomas said, "It has been my honor to be employed by the University of Alaska for slightly more than 33 years. Starting as an assistant professor of statistics at UAF and finishing as vice president for academic affairs and research has been a wonderfully rewarding career path. Along the way I have interacted with thousands of students, faculty, staff, administrators and UA constituents and have truly loved my career."

Among his numerous achievements, Dr. Thomas this year won the Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence, the most prestigious award given by the University of Alaska Foundation systemwide each year. He also is a past winner of the Emil Usibelli Award at UAF for Teaching, Research and Public Service.

President Gamble acknowledged Dr. Thomas' service to the state of Alaska and his outstanding leadership, especially in formulating the Shaping Alaska's Future initiative, which is now UA policy.

"Dana's genuine respect for others, his character and his commitment to collaboration as a way to resolve difficult issues across the UA System in particular have been a real asset to the university in his position as vice president," President Gamble said.

President Gamble noted that the vice president's loyalty to the university and its students "will always stand out as one of the greatest examples I have witnessed."

The president said a transition plan will be announced in the coming months.

Amaya Spencer will be leaving Risk Services and the University of Alaska later this month.
�
Amaya spent 18 years at the University, the first three at UAF Facilities. She’s been the face of customer service for the Risk Services Fairbanks claims unit since 1999, and her warm and caring way of helping University employees and departments through adverse circumstances will be greatly missed.
�
Please join Risk Services in thanking her for her service and wishing her the very best in her new endeavors.