Richard Collins announced as Graduate School director

July 20, 2020

University Relations

Richard Collins has been appointed director of the Graduate School by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Anupma Prakash. 

Collins has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. He joined the Geophysical Institute in 1994 and has served UAF since then. Collins is a professor in atmospheric sciences and has served in several administrative roles, most recently as an associate director at the Geophysical Institute.

Collins has advised and mentored graduate students in science and engineering who have gone on to positions in research laboratories and industry. He developed student and faculty mentoring programs, and secured significant external funding for graduate student support and research. He has taught in electrical and computer engineering and atmospheric sciences and maintains an ongoing research program at Poker Flat Research Range focused on observational studies of the Arctic atmosphere and geospace.

“I look forward to working with faculty and staff in supporting graduate students and promoting graduate programs at UAF,” Collins said.

“Our graduate school will be well-served by Dr. Collins," Prakash said. "He has a deep understanding of UAFs academic, research, and service mission. Dr. Collins is respected by faculty, staff and students alike for his thoughtful and inclusive approach.”