UAF narrows search for chancellor to two
Published Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Two men with long histories with the University of Alaska have been named as finalists for the University of Alaska Fairbanks interim chancellor position.
John Davies, research director at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, and Brian Rogers, principal consultant and chief financial officer at local consulting firm Information Insight, are under consideration to replace outgoing UAF Chancellor Steve Jones.
Jones announced he was looking for a new job to be closer to family on the East Coast on March 24.
Davies received his master’s and doctorate from UAF and worked the Geophysical Institute as a state seismologist from 1986 to 1992. He also is president of the UAF Alumni Association.
“I’m definitely honored and really pleased to be considered,” Davies said.
Rogers has served an eight-year term on the UA Board of Regents and served as UA vice president of finance from 1988-1995.
“I’m really excited at the possibility of working for a university that has been part of my life for the past 38 years,” Rogers said.
Both men spent time in the Alaska State House of Representatives, Davies from 1993 to 2003 and Rogers from 1979 to 1982.
Davies said he would bring experience that comes from four decades of being involved and supporting the university.
Rogers also touts his experience with the university, especially the wide variety of involvement with UA over the years.
Mark Hamilton, president of University of Alaska, stated in a press release that he wants to fill the position by May 1 because planning for the 2010 fiscal year has already started. Hamilton also wants the interim chancellor to serve for at least two years to allow the new chancellor to have a say in the budget. The two-year hiatus also is meant help the university create a smooth transition for the new chancellor, whom it will begin to search for in about a year.
Campus groups will sponsor open forums to give faculty, staff and students to talk to the candidates. Davies’ forum is from 4-6 p.m. April 16 and Rogers’ forum is from 4-6 p.m. April 17.
“I’d like an opportunity for the UAF community to meet these two gentlemen, and I’d like feedback,” Hamilton said. “This kind of process will help me as I move forward in making a final decision.”
Contact staff writer Christi Hang at 459-7590.
Community Discussion
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Glad to see President Hamilton selected two talented local candidates, both with decades of commitment to our town, our state, and this university. National searches have not always produced people who are well suited to our place. (Too often they stay only a few rocky years, just long enough to vest in the retirement system.)
Both of these candidates have excellent bone fides. Mr. Rogers has an excellent relationship with the local business community and a significant background in the UA Statewide administration. Dr. Davies' connection to the Fairbanks campus goes back to the 1960s (he earned both MS and PhD here), and his collaborative leadership style was in evidence during his service on the FSNB Assembly and 10 years in the legislature.
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