University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor John Pugh announced he will retire at the end of this academic year. His last day will be May 29, 2015.

Since August 1999, Pugh has been at the helm of the state public university with campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. His retirement will mark completion of a 28-year career at UAS that began in 1987, including service as the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and the dean of faculty. He's been chancellor at UAS for 16 years.
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“I have enjoyed being a part of a dynamic, growing institution over the years,” said Pugh. “My public service career spans 45 years with the U.S. Air Force, the State of Alaska, and the University of Alaska. I have had the pleasure of working with many excellent administrators, professional staff and faculty throughout my career. However, UAS Chancellor is the best position I have held. I strongly believe in the importance of higher education to the future of Alaska. It has been an honor to be a part of the building of the University of Alaska System.”
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Pugh also has served on statewide and regional task forces, commissions and boards. “All in all, I feel that together with my dedicated colleagues I have accomplished much.”
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Many significant changes have occurred under Chancellor Pugh’s leadership, including major building projects such as the Egan classroom wing, the student recreation facility and the recently completed Freshman Residence Hall on the Juneau campus. He is most proud of the quality academic and workforce programs developed during his tenure.
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In a memo to employees, Pugh thanked staff and faculty for their service and encouraged them “to stay engaged and work together with the administration to provide a smooth transition in UAS leadership.”
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UA President Pat Gamble anticipates a successful transition to a new UAS Chancellor.

"John Pugh is an Alaska higher education landmark and a tireless UA leader for the Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan campuses. We will be challenged to find another chancellor with the same love for his university community of students, faculty and staff," Gamble said.

Gamble intends to travel to Juneau in the coming weeks to discuss with Pugh and members of the UAS community the next steps in finding a successor. Gamble anticipates the collaborative process will be a smooth one.
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After his retirement in May, Pugh looks forward to having more time to visit extended family, travel with his wife Margaret and spend more time with their granddaughters.