University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen announced April 12 that University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Tom Case plans to retire effective June 30, 2017. Case has served as UAA chancellor for six years, and previously served as dean of UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy for six years. Chancellor Case has led UAA with great integrity and distinction, Johnsen said.

“Tom has served the university with integrity, good humor and dedication,” Johnsen said. “I have long admired his commitment to student success, campus safety, and the opportunities he created to advocate for faculty and students. I will miss his steady hand and great diplomacy.”

Case enjoyed many accomplishments during his 12 years at UAA, including:

• Establishing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice program
• Establishing a joint Pharmacology Doctorate program with Idaho State University, keeping students in state for their entire education
• Opening the Alaska Airlines Center, the Engineering and Industry Building, Health Sciences Building, Glenn Massay Theatre at the Mat-Su Campus, the residential halls on the Kenai Peninsula Campus and completing and dedicating the bridge across Providence Drive, the Parrish Bridge (for Al and Ann Parrish)
• Appointing Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith as first Rasmuson Chair in Experimental Economics

“There’s no doubt that Tom has changed the lives of many for the better,” Johnsen said.

In addition to the work done to expand programs and enhance UAA facilities, he also oversaw the growth of the Seawolf Debate Team, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering program and tirelessly cheered on the national success of UAA’s intercollegiate athletics teams. Case was recently elected to a three-year term as a commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the Northwest region’s accrediting body, and he serves on the NWCCU executive committee.

Case served UAA as College of Business and Public Policy dean from 2002-2008. He then served as president and chief operating officer of the state-owned, independently operated Alaska Aerospace Corp. from 2008-2011. He returned to UAA in 2011 as chancellor.

Prior to his state and university service, Case earned the rank of Lt. General, serving as deputy commander in chief and chief of staff of the U.S. Pacific Command among other high ranking positions. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Case earned a Master of Science degree in systems management at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He is a graduate of the National War College, U.S. Army Command & General Staff College, U.S. Air Force Air War College and Emory University’s advanced management program.

A committee will be formed to lead the search for Case’s replacement. In the meantime, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Sam Gingerich will serve as UAA’s interim chancellor.

“I have confidence in Sam’s ability to lead UAA while we convene a search committee to permanently fill this important post,” said Johnsen.� “Sam’s deep professional experience in academia and university administration make him an invaluable resource for UAA, UA and Alaska.� I am looking forward to working closely with Sam in the coming months and am grateful for his willingness to step into this interim role.”

“But for now, I’d like to thank Chancellor Case for all that he’s done for UAA, and for the entire university. I believe his legacy will be long celebrated. We will miss you, we will honor you always and we wish you and Susan much joy and happiness in the months and years ahead.”