Chancellor Search Information
On November 8, 2019, Chancellor Rick Caulfield announced his intention to retire in June 2020. At the direction of UA President Jim Johnsen, the search process began immediately, starting with the creation of a representative search committee and a timeline for the search. The committee includes representatives from UAS governance groups, campus advisory councils, and community partners. The search timeline includes on-campus visits by finalists in the spring. Visits will include the UAS Ketchikan and Sitka campuses. There also will be opportunities for input from community members in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka prior to a decision being made by President Johnsen. It is expected that Chancellor Caulfields successor will take the reins at UAS in July 2020.
Updates & Communications
May 21, 2020 - Search Committee Chair Robin Gilcrist's update on recent virtual campus meetings with top 3 candidates this month
April 3, 2020 - Search Committee Chair Robin Gilcrist's update
February 15, 2020 - Search Committee Chair Robin Gilcrist's update on advertisement of position and applications received.
January 22, 2020 - Search Committee Chair Robin Gilcrist's update on Chancellor position description and recruitment.
December 11, 2019 - Search Committee Chair Robin Gilcrist's follow-up after listening sessions held by the search firm at UAS Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. An online survey is open for anyone wishing to provide comments or ask questions of the consultants.
December 3, 2019 - Stakeholder invitation letter for listening sessions. For those individuals who are unable to attend or would like to provide input privately, please submit your comments and feedback using this survey link. The Dec 5-6 listening sessions were designed to solicit feedback regarding the position and the qualities sought in the next Chancellor. Insights will be incorporated in the position profile and advertisement and will inform the recruitment strategy. Specifically, the consultants are interested in exploring the following questions:
- Based on your experience at the University of Alaska Southeast, what do you see as the short-term (immediate) and long-term (three to five years) challenges and opportunities facing the next Chancellor?
- Given the opportunities and challenges you have described, what professional experiences and qualifications must the successful candidate possess? What personal qualities must the new Chancellor have in order to be a good cultural “fit” with the University of Alaska Southeast community?
- What are the immediate initiatives that the next Chancellor must be aware of and complete, but will have limited opportunity to influence?
- What are the key positive attributes and most attractive features of the University of Alaska Southeast and how might those be used to attract the right candidates?
November 29, 2019 - Search Committee Chair Robin Gilcrist's follow-up after the first meeting of the search committee with the search firm representatives.
November 8, 2019 - Press Release: UAS Chancellor Announces Retirement Plans
Timeline
December 5-6: Search firm consultants meet with stakeholder groups in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, including faculty, staff, students, leadership, and community council members.
January-February: Advertise and accept applications
Late February: Screen applications
Early March: Phone interviews
Mid to Late March: On-site visits
Late April: Final review and presentation of list to President
Position Description
The position description and application process is posted on the UA Careers website. A PDF copy of the position description is also available for download.
UAS encourages applications from candidates who have a strong record of scholarship and teaching with successful executive level administrative experience in higher education. UAS also encourages applications from exceptional candidates with nontraditional backgrounds who have demonstrated significant successes in business, industry, nonprofit or government that are relevant in the higher education setting.
The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence.
UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination
Committee
Search Committee Members
| Name | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Gilcrist | Associate Professor and Program Head of Construction Technology, School of Career & Technical Education, Juneau Campus | Faculty (Chair) |
| Tom Thornton | Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Vice Provost for Research | Academic Dean |
| Angie Lunda | Assistant Professor of Education, Alaska College of Education, Juneau Campus | Alaska Native Education |
| Karen Carey | Provost | Executive Cabinet |
| Michael Ciri | Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services | Executive Cabinet |
| Kevin Krein | Professor of Philosophy, School of Arts & Sciences, Juneau Campus | Faculty |
| Jeffrey Lofthus | Professor of Education, Alaska College of Education, Juneau Campus | Faculty |
| John Radzilowski | Professor of History, School of Arts & Sciences, Ketchikan Campus | Faculty |
| David Felts | Sitka Student Services Manager and Academic Advisory, Staff Council President, Sitka Campus | Staff |
| Kate Govaars | Ketchikan Arts & Sciences Outreach Advisor | Staff |
| Teagyn Vallevand | UAS Student, Member of Alaska Leadership Initiative (AL-I) and Wooch.een | Student |
| Kieran Poulson-Edwards | UAS Student | Student |
| Sander Schijvens | Chair, Juneau Campus Advisory Council | Community - Juneau |
| Shana Criscola | Chair, Ketchikan Campus Advisory Council | Community - Ketchikan |
| Garry White | Chair, Sitka Campus Advisory Council | Community - Sitka |
Chancellor's Office Support Staff
- Keni Campbell, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor and Public Information Officer
University of Alaska Human Resources Staff
- Steve Patin, University of Alaska Chief Human Resources Officer
- Glenn Gambrell, University of Alaska Director of Talent Acquisition
Questions, comments?
Contact Human Resources:
Phone: 907-450-8200Email: ua-swhr@alaska.edu
Search Firm
As the hiring authority for the UAS Chancellor, President Jim Johnsen has selected Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates to assist with this important process.
Founded in 2007 to specialize in senior-level higher education search, Storbeck/Pimentel provides depth and breadth in working with colleges and universities across the country:
- Since 2007 they have led more than 200 searches at the level of president/chancellor.
- They have placed senior leaders, including vice presidents and vice chancellors, provosts and deans, at colleges and universities, small and large, public and private, in 47 states.
- Placements are accomplished, diverse, and visionary leaders who strengthen the organizations they lead and create long-term impact.
- Storbeck/Pimentel works proactively and energetically to recruit excellent and diverse pools of candidates in every search they conduct. To ensure an equitable and inclusive process for all, they offer counsel to clients on everything from composing the search committee and drafting written materials to managing post-interview deliberations.
Consultants assigned to the UAS Chancellor search process — links to biographical and contact info:
- Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner, a.pimentel@storbeckpimentel.com
- Emy Peña, Partner, e.pena@storbeckpimentel.com