Samara Taber to lead University Advancement 

December 1, 2020

Tori Tragis

In an effort to share services, increase efficiency, align communication efforts and increase university visibility, the office of Development and Alumni Relations and the office of University Relations have been merged under a single executive director of University Advancement, which will be led by Samara Taber. 

Taber graduated from UAF with a bachelor of arts degree in Russian studies in 2006, and earned a master of library and information science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008. Her career at UAF began in 2013 with the Office of Development where she developed measures to advance communication with UAF alumni, donors, students, employees and friends. Taber also brings a wide range of knowledge and first-hand experience with strategic enrollment planning that will be influential in expanding on UAF’s goals. 

Taber has served in a variety of roles over the last eight years, including interim associate vice chancellor for enrollment management, director of admissions and interim UAF executive officer.

Kate Ripley has served as the interim director of Development and Alumni Relations for the last 18 months. During her tenure, Ripley and her team increased FY20 philanthropic giving by 36% compared to FY18. The Nanook Network and Student Support funds were launched, along with UAF leading the first-ever online giving event, 49 hours for the 49th State, this past October. UAF raised 61% of the system’s total giving that day. 

Ripley’s leadership and energy for UAF philanthropic campaigns, partnerships and alumni involvement has been instrumental in the continued success of the DAR office. 

Taber will transition into this new role on Dec. 14. The search for a permanent associate vice chancellor for enrollment management will begin in the next two weeks.