Karr named UAF athletics director

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
01/11/06

Fairbanks, Alaska--University of Alaska Fairbanks officials announced today that Forrest Karr, interim athletics and campus recreation director, has accepted the job permanently.

"I am very pleased with the direction Forrest has taken the department in the past months,"? said Jake Poole, UAF’s vice chancellor for university advancement and community engagement. "I look forward to working with him and his strong team of coaches, staff, student athletes, community supporters and boosters as we continue to build a strong and successful department."?

Karr took over as interim director in July 2005, following the departure of former athletics director Cory Schwartz. He joined the Nanooks in August 2004, serving as the campus athletic academic coordinator and overseeing National Collegiate Athletic Association compliance for the department. As director, Karr will oversee all aspects of UAF’s athletic programs.

"After spending time learning about the challenges, I’ve been given an opportunity to work at what I consider the best job in Fairbanks,"? said Karr. "I’m continually amazed by the passion of UAF fans and I truly appreciate the community’s support of our programs."?

"We have assembled a great staff that works hard and supports one another,"? said Karr. "We will continue to improve the student-athlete experience and work toward increasing graduation rates. We will adhere to the letter and the spirit of the NCAA rules and maintain our national competitiveness."?

Karr has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and in 2004 graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. While at Notre Dame, he was a four-year letter winner for the Fighting Irish ice hockey team and earned two national academic honors in the process. He also played one year of professional hockey and coached for a year. His legal work includes service with the NCAA providing guidance and advocacy and doing research on multiple athletics-related issues.

CONTACT: UAF sports information director Jamie Schanback at (907) 474-6807 or via e-mail at jamie.schanback@uaf.edu. Jake Poole, vice chancellor for university advancement and community engagement, at (907) 474-2600 or via e-mail at fnjcp@uaf.edu

A high resolution photo is available for download.