Dear UAF friend, donor, and supporter,

As we transition into the start of another winter here in Fairbanks, I am reaching out to share that Samara Taber, executive director of University Advancement, has transitioned to a new position as the UAF Continuous Improvement Project manager. She started her new role on Nov. 6, 2023. Samara has served as the executive director of University Advancement and a member of the Chancellor’s core cabinet since 2020. During her time as the executive director, Samara made significant and lasting positive impacts on UAF’s advancement enterprise.

While we open a search for her replacement, I am excited to introduce Theresa Bakker as the new interim executive director. In this role, she will lead UAF development priorities such as the Troth Yeddha’ Initiative, and provide leadership and direction in all areas of university advancement, including communications and public relations, marketing, development, donor relations, alumni affairs, institutional events and engagement.

Theresa steps into this interim role from her position as the UAF Alumni Relations director and the executive director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association. Prior to this, Theresa served as the marketing and communications manager at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Theresa has experience building strong relationships between our community and UAF, and I am confident in her ability to make a positive impact during her time as the interim executive director for University Advancement.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns during this period of transition. Thank you for your ongoing support of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I appreciate all you do for our students and for our state.

Dan White, chancellor