UAF names new leader for student affairs

September 11, 2017

Keith Champagne, a veteran student services administrator at Central Washington University, has been selected to serve as the new vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Champagne was selected after a national search that brought three finalists to campus this summer.

Champagne’s career spans more than 30 years in positions throughout student services and athletics. He currently serves as the chief diversity officer for intercollegiate athletics at Central Washington University, a public university in Ellensburg, Wash. Champagne has been part of CWU for for 27 years. Previous positions include associate dean for student success, associate vice president for student affairs and assistant vice president for leadership and diversity. Prior to his time at CWU, he worked at Clarion University and Loyola University. His experience includes a wide variety of student services front line and leadership positions, including residence life, career services, student activities, judicial functions, diversity and student success.

“I hope to help create a positive learning environment for students and and opportunities for staff to grow and advance in their profession of serving those students,” Champagne said. “I look forward to working with the UAF community in a collaborative, inclusive and transparent manner to ensure the success of our students and the university.”

Champagne has a bachelor’s degree in communications public relations from Loyola University, a master’s degree in communications, training and development from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Washington.

He will begin his new position in early December and will oversee student services at UAF, which includes units such as the registrar's office, Residence Life, Wood Center, student activities, admissions and financial aid.