The University of Alaska Fairbanks (https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/) seeks a dynamic, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as its next Chancellor, responsible for all aspects of administration as delegated by the University of Alaska system president and regents.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university and an international center for research, education, and the arts, with a focus on the circumpolar North and its diverse peoples. UAF integrates teaching, research, and public services to educate students for active citizenship and prepare them for lifelong learning and careers. With six campuses statewide, UAF is home to approximately 7,500 students from around the world, 87% of whom are undergraduates. Nanook Nation also includes 824 faculty members, 1,933 staff members, and more than 43,000 alumni.

This pivotal role will shape UAF's future by advancing the 2027 Strategic Plan (https://www.uaf.edu/strategic/goals.php) and laying the foundation for a strong tripartite mission of teaching, research, and service that extends well beyond 2027. The Chancellor will lead UAF’s administration of academic instruction, research, innovation, sponsored programs, outreach, finance, operations, and campus safety, engaging employees across the institution to achieve academic and institutional goals with clear metrics for success. The Chancellor will also be a vital contributor to campus life, student development, and community pride, and will support UAF's intercollegiate athletics programs. Equally important, the Chancellor must articulate a clear vision that connects innovation to the university’s mission and public purpose, creating conditions for innovation by encouraging calculated risk-taking, reducing structural barriers, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

The Chancellor reports to the President of the University of Alaska system and works collaboratively with the other university Chancellors to help UA meet the state's workforce needs. Externally, the Chancellor will represent UAF, strengthen its reputation, build relationships with community members and stakeholders, and develop new philanthropic and research sponsorship opportunities. Serving as an ex officio member of the University of Alaska Foundation, the Chancellor will collaborate on fundraising campaigns and actively participate in outreach and advancement initiatives. '

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability and energy to lead a complex, multifaceted university, establishing and managing budgets while balancing competing demands for resources across functional, geographic, and disciplinary boundaries within constrained fiscal resources. The candidate should have at least seven years of progressively greater administrative experience in higher education, along with substantial additional experience as a university executive, faculty member, researcher, or manager at a major research organization. Above all, the Chancellor will inspire excellence, foster collaboration, and drive the university’s mission forward with lasting impact. A master’s degree from an accredited institution is required, with an earned doctorate or other relevant terminal degree preferred.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in the leadership profile available at https://apptrkr.com/6884803.

WittKieffer is supporting the University of Alaska in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 18, 2026. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Melody Rose, Ph.D., Shelley Arakawa, J.D., and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D. at UAFChancellor@wittkieffer.com

The University of Alaska (alaska.edu/alaska) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.