ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å

I came to ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åF in April 1982 to work as a research technician in the Agricultural Experiment Station. My time here has brought me more joy than any person deserves. Every day has been stimulating, every week brought new challenges, and I always looked forward to Monday.

Although I will remain an employee of ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åF, I am leaving my position as vice chancellor for research effective May 23, 2020, for a temporary assignment with the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.

My colleagues have been the best part of the last 38 years. I was fortunate to be guided by brilliant and caring mentors and collaborators. I was blessed with engaged and motivated students. I was carried by fantastic and dedicated technical and administrative staff.

Perhaps it is the harsh environment that made everyone a bit more hearty. Perhaps it is the reputation of the institution that drew talented and adventurous faculty, staff and students.

We also had tremendous responsibilities as we led the nation and the world in trying to understand the drivers, responses and consequences of a rapidly changing Arctic. Our state also faced huge challenges, seeming to be in crisis mode for most of the past four decades, but our university rose to meet the demands, providing solutions to problems and a talented workforce.  

I have served as VCR for five years. We have received budget cuts in each of those years, and I have done the best I could to help our university adapt and thrive in an environment of ever-shrinking dollars. In spite of decreased state support, research has remained quite stable, bringing in about $100 million each year in external federal grants. I have worked steadily to convince the people of Alaska and our legislators that the university and research are wise investments for the state, and I believe we’ve been largely successful maintaining a culture of respect and appreciation.

On the national and international scales, we are soaring. ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åF is still widely considered to be a research powerhouse, a reputation we’ve earned and deserve.  

I will close with a reminder that your university leadership is strong. From the faculty, staff and student leadership, the research and academic centers leads, the deans and directors, to the Cabinet and chancellor, your leadership is giving their best to keep our university viable in these difficult times.

Their strength comes from you. Your support makes their voices stronger. Please continue to work with them; share your ideas, lend your talents and efforts to maintain a complete, cohesive and comprehensive university. Continue to advocate potential students, our legislators and the people of Alaska to believe in ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åF.