Seitz to serve as first Meek Endowed Chair

June 18, 2021

University of Alaska Fairbanks fisheries scientist Andy Seitz will serve as the university’s first Frank and Marjorie Meek Endowed Chair in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

Seitz is an internationally recognized expert in fish migration and behavior and a professor in the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

“Dr. Seitz has an outstanding record conducting basic and applied research related to the wise use of Alaska’s fish resources in both freshwater and marine ecosystems,” said Bradley Moran, dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. “This appointment recognizes his significant contributions to fisheries research and excellence in instruction and mentorship of students.”

As the owner of a king crab packing plant in Kodiak, Frank Meek was one of Alaska's first commercial seafood marketers. In 1992, he and his wife, Marjorie Meek, pledged to establish the endowed chair to further fisheries research at UAF.

“This endowed chair supports the growth of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s fisheries and helps prepare the next generation of fisheries managers and scientists for our state. Dr. Seitz is an outstanding choice to further this goal,” said UAF Chancellor Dan White. “The Meeks’ dedication to science and higher education is reflected in their establishment of this endowed chair.”

Seitz’s research focuses on understanding large-scale oceanic migrations of fish and their interactions with tidal and wave energy systems. He also teaches a broad range of courses on fisheries ecology, conservation and management. Since his appointment as UAF assistant professor of fisheries in 2009, Seitz has advised numerous undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are part of Alaska’s workforce in agencies and the private sector.