University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Rick Caulfield announced Friday he will be retiring in June 2020 at the end of the academic year.
The announcement came near the end of Caulfield’s report to the University of Alaska Board of Regents in Fairbanks.
Caulfield has worked for UA for 35 years.
“I wanted you all to know that I have voiced my intention to President (Jim) Johnsen to retire next year,” Caulfield said. “Not an easy decision. It’s been 35 years as a faculty member. I’m very proud of the accomplishments.”
Caulfield began as a faculty member at UAF’s Bristol Bay Campus, before becoming a professor. Caulfield’s work included research on the sustainability of Greenlandic Inuit whaling that was the basis for his doctoral study in the United Kingdom, according to University of Alaska. Caulfield moved from UAF to UAS in 2010 to take the position of provost, and he was appointed UAS chancellor in 2015.
Johnsen thanked Caulfield for his dedication and service to UA.
“I am especially appreciative for chancellor Caulfield’s leadership through the recent successful reaccreditation of UAS by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities,” Johnsen said.
The search timeline will include on-campus visits by finalists in the spring, according to UA. Visits will include the UAS Ketchikan and Sitka campuses. There also will be opportunities for input from community members in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. It is expected that Caulfield’s successor will take over in July 2020.
Caulfield said he is glad to know he will leave UAS in capable hands.
Among those highlighted were Lori Klein, vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs; Michael Ciri, vice chancellor for administrative services; Ronalda Cadiente Brown, associate vice chancellor for Alaska Native programs; and Provost Karen Carey.
“I am confident we have solid leadership in place at UAS,” Caulfield said.
• Contact reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.
