UAF announces new leadership for Nanooks athletics

June 11, 2019

University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Dan White has announced that Keith Champagne will take on a new role as leader of the Alaska Nanooks intercollegiate athletics program.

Champagne, who currently serves as vice chancellor for student affairs, will assume the duties of athletics director, as well as continue to serve as the leader of UAF’s student affairs division. He will take over for Sterling Steward, who stepped down earlier today.

“In addition to Vice Chancellor Champagne’s experience in student affairs, he has a solid background in athletics,” White said in a message to the UAF community. “I am confident that under his leadership UAF athletics will grow. I look forward to working with Dr. Champagne to establish a solid foundation and vibrant future for UAF athletics.”

Champagne and White will be available to speak with media regarding the change later today, Tuesday, June 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the chancellor’s conference room on the third floor of Signers’ Hall on the Fairbanks campus. A call-in number is available: 866-832-7806 PIN 1637788.

In his new role, Champagne plans to focus more on fundraising, marketing and community engagement.

“We have something very special here. We have some of the best student athletes in the country, and we have a university and a community that believe in us and want us to be successful,” Champagne said. “I am committed to building a program that our students, faculty, staff and community will be proud to support and celebrate.”

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. His doctoral work focused on intercollegiate athletics leadership and sports management. Prior to joining the leadership team at UAF, he served in a variety of athletics and student services leadership positions at Central Washington University, including chief diversity officer for intercollegiate athletics and interim athletics director. He is a graduate of the Sports Management Institute and a member of the Sports Lawyers Association.

Read Champagne's message to Nanook Nation here.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Nona Letuligasenoa, 907-474-6807, nona.l@alaska.edu.