July 1, 2016
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2016
UA President Johnsen announces Dr. Thomas as Ӱԭ Interim Chancellor
FAIRBANKS — University of Ӱԭ President Jim Johnsen has appointed Dana L. Thomas
as interim chancellor of the University of Ӱԭ Fairbanks. Thomas will begin on
Aug. 14, succeeding outgoing Ӱԭ Interim Chancellor Mike Powers, and will end his term on
June 30, 2017.
Johnsen nominated Thomas on June 6 after reviewing nearly a dozen applications. Since
then, Johnsen has taken into consideration community feedback, dozens of comments
generated by the university’s web-based feedback form and discussions with university
governance.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dana Thomas as interim chancellor
of the University of Ӱԭ Fairbanks,” Johnsen said. “Dana's long association with
the university as a highly regarded faculty member and as a leader both at the campus
and in the statewide office, coupled with his passion for higher education and commitment
to Ӱԭ, make him the ideal person for this important role.”
The work ahead for Thomas will be significant, Johnsen said. “In the face of severe
budget challenges and our education imperative for Ӱԭ, Dana's thoughtful yet decisive
approach to leadership will help keep Ӱԭ moving forward as America's leading Arctic
university,” he said.
Thomas will lead Ӱԭ through its evolution as the premier Arctic research university,
refinement of Title IX compliance, completion of its engineering building, and celebration
of the university’s 100th birthday in 2017.
Thomas was born and raised in Fairbanks and is an alumnus of Ӱԭ. He was the statewide
vice president of academic affairs and research from 2012 to 2014.
Thomas served six years as chair of Ӱԭ's Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
He is recognized for his interdisciplinary research on the design and analysis of
studies assessing food and habitat selection by animals. In 2005, Thomas received
the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award.
From 2006 to 2012, Thomas served as Ӱԭ's vice provost and accreditation liaison
officer. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities asked him to serve
as an institutional accreditation evaluator of other institutions.
Thomas’ salary will be $300,000.
Outgoing Interim Chancellor Mike Powers will leave his post Aug. 13. Johnsen praised Powers’ leadership of Ӱԭ during the past year citing his authenticity,
his commitment to Title IX compliance and his many years of service on the UA Board
of Regents. “People trust and admire Mike Powers, and his genuine goodness and commitment,”
Johnsen said.
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For more information contact Kate Wattum, assistant director of public affairs at
907-699-3262
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