Reichardt receives 2007 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
03/08/07

Paul Reichardt, provost at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is this year’s recipient of the Edith R. Bullock Prize for excellence in service to the University of Alaska.

Ann Parrish, chair of the University of Alaska Foundation’s Board of Trustees, which awards the prize, made the announcement March 7. The foundation is a public, nonprofit charity that solicits and manages private funds solely for the benefit of the University of Alaska.

Reichardt was selected from a field of 13 nominees. His steady leadership at UAF and unimpeachable integrity stood out among the other high-caliber nominees, Parrish said.

"Paul is a consummate advocate for UAF in the areas of academic excellence, teaching, research, public service and university administration," Parrish said. "The overwhelming letters in support of Paul in the Bullock nomination process contained great respect for him as a leader in education from numerous faculty members. As a humble public servant, Paul’s personal and regular financial contributions place him in a league of the top 25 continuous lifetime donors to the university. It’s a great honor to congratulate Paul as the Bullock prize winner for 2007."

The annual prize provides a $20,000 cash award.

Reichardt began his career at UAF as an assistant professor of chemistry in 1972.Since then, he served as chair of the Department of Chemistry and dean of what was then the College of Natural Sciences. Since 1998, Reichardt has served as provost, overseeing academics and research at UAF. Reichardt was instrumental in securing the funding necessary to build the Natural Sciences Facility in 1995--the first new classroom facility since the Gruening Building was completed in 1971. As provost, Reichardt has served under three chancellors, with each one looking to him as a source of inspiration and initiative to move the university forward.

"I am profoundly honored by this award, and I want to thank those who nominated and selected me for this recognition. I have always considered it a privilege to work for the university," Reichardt said. "I often refer to it as a place of opportunity, and it certainly has provided me with lots of opportunities for professional and personal growth. It is gratifying to think that I have in some way made a difference, especially a difference in the careers and lives of our students."

UAF Chancellor Steve Jones praised Reichardt for his superb mentorship and noted that his career has been marked by the qualities exemplified by Bullock, who was known for her personal commitment and extraordinary contributions to the university. "That same level of commitment and selfless service is what characterizes Paul," Jones said. "He is committed to giving the best of himself and he has, through that, accomplished the extraordinary."

The Bullock Prize for Excellence is the largest single award made annually by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The prize was created through a charitable gift from the late Edith R. Bullock, who served the university for 30 years as a member of the Board of Regents and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. She was also a member of the Alaska Territorial House of Representatives and Senate.

CONTACT: Mary Rutherford, President, University of Alaska Foundation at (907) 450-8030 or via email at mary.rutherford@alaska.edu; Provost Paul Reichardt at (907) 474-7096 or via e-mail at fnpbr@uaf.edu. Carla Browning, UAF public information officer, at (907) 474-7778 or via e-mail at carla.browning@uaf.edu.