UAF Chancellor to Retire after 40 Years as an Alaska Educator

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
09/11/03

After serving as an educator in the state for more than 40 years, University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Marshall Lind will retire at the end of this academic year. Lind has been a university chancellor for nearly half his career, having led UAF for the past five years and the University of Alaska Southeast for more than 12 years prior to his Fairbanks appointment. He began his career in 1961 as a teacher with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Kwigillingok. He also served as superintendent of schools in Kodiak and 13 years as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education.

"I’ve enjoyed all aspects of my career, but I have to say the times I’ve had at the university have been some of the best," said Lind. "My wife, Lois, and I have made many friends in Fairbanks and plan to spend time here whenever we can."

Lind leaves UAF after four consecutive years of enrollment and programmatic growth and the largest construction period in the university’s history.

UA President Mark Hamilton appointed Lind as chancellor in August 1999, replacing former Chancellor Joan Wadlow.

"Marshall has done an outstanding job at UAF, and the last five years have not been placid ones for UAF and the university system," Hamilton said. "He and his staff have dealt with enhancing student services, accommodating enrollment increases and a major expansion of facilities on the Fairbanks campus.

"By the time he retires, Marshall will have been a chancellor, first at UAS, then at UAF, for more than 17 years. That’s an impressive record and not one which is likely ever to be duplicated. It’s a pleasure to wish Marshall and Lois Lind our deep gratitude for a job well done, and our best wishes for the future."

As chief executive officer for UAF, Lind oversees the university’s programs in Fairbanks and community campuses in Bethel, Dillingham, Kotzebue and Nome as well as a number of learning centers, extension offices and outreach locations serving more than 140 Alaska communities.

"I can leave UAF feeling good about the work, the people and the progress we’ve made," said the chancellor. "Enrollment is up, housing is full and the campus looks and feels energized. It’s a good time to pass the baton to someone who will plan for the next phase in UAF’s development."

UAF enrollment has increased steadily over the past four fall semesters. Enrollment growth is due in part to an expansion of programs offered by the Tanana Valley Campus. TVC’s expansion was highlighted this fall when the majority of its programs relocated to the former state courthouse building, creating a new campus presence in downtown Fairbanks.

After nearly a decade of planning and private fundraising, UAF is in the completion stage of numerous new construction and deferred maintenance projects that have revitalized the Fairbanks campus and made way for expanding academic programs. Since 2001, the Duckering Building was rededicated as a modern engineering center, the Brooks Building remodeled as an educational center for rural and Alaska Native students, the Fine Arts Complex music wing was completed and most recently the Rasmuson Library was rededicated after an $18 million renewal project. The $32 million UA Museum expansion is underway and the West Ridge Research Building is scheduled for completion in spring 2004.

The last few years have been marked by a significant increase in research activities, especially in the areas of health and biomedical research. Research dollars have nearly doubled since 1997 reaching nearly $100 million in 2002.

During Lind’s tenure, five-year strategic and academic plans were developed and implemented, the Campus Master Plan approved and UAF was reaccredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

Lind has served on various national committees including a U.S. presidential appointment to the National Adult Education Council. He has also served as an executive board member of the Council of Chief State School Officers.

He shared the 2002 Denali Award from the Alaska Federation of Natives with former Gov. Tony Knowles, the highest honor given by AFN to non-Natives, for commitment to serving the educational needs of rural and Native Alaskans. He is a member of Rotary and serves on the board of directors for the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Lois, have three children and three grandchildren.

Lind’s retirement is effective July 1, 2004. A committee of staff, faculty, students and community members will conduct a nationwide search for a new chancellor.

Note to editors: Lind’s biography and retirement letter are available online at www.uaf.edu/chancellor/and high-resolution jpg photos are available for download at http://www.uaf.edu/files/news/download/releasephotos/Lind_Chancellor/

CONTACT: UAF Public Information Officer Carla Browning, (907) 474-7581 or e-mail carla.browning@uaf.edu for more information.