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December 9, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2020

����첥 Interim President Pat Pitney names Dr. Bruce Schultz as
Interim ����첥A Chancellor

University of Alaska Interim President Pat Pitney has appointed Dr. Bruce Schultz to serve as University of Alaska Anchorage (����첥A) Interim Chancellor. Schultz will begin in that role on January 4, 2021 succeeding outgoing chancellor Cathy Sandeen. He is expected to serve in that capacity until  a permanent chancellor is named. The search will begin later this month. 

“Bruce brings a steady hand and long history of commitment to student success and  enrollment management,” Pitney said. “He was instrumental in preparing ����첥A for the fall semester under a COVID environment, and he knows how to mobilize the ����첥A community to address the critical issues it faces. He will be a huge asset to ����첥A and to the University of Alaska system, and I am happy to welcome him to the leadership team.”

As interim chancellor, Schultz will work to create stability as the university adapts to a smaller operational budget resulting from the governor’s compact and the COVID environment. He will also be charged with maintaining momentum for ����첥A's cost reduction initiatives and setting the groundwork for improving the ����첥A experience for Alaska Native faculty, students and staff at ����첥A.  

Schultz currently is ����첥A’s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, but his career in leadership roles at ����첥A spans nearly three decades. As Vice Chancellor, he led the development of a culture of assessment in student affairs, created the Military and Veterans Student Services Office, supported a multi-year transformation of ����첥A’s enrollment services operations, and restructured student affairs to improve effectiveness while addressing significant reductions in funding. 

"I am honored to serve as ����첥A's interim chancellor and look forward to advancing our mission of teaching, research, engagement and creative expression," Schultz said. "This university plays a vital role in educating the people of Alaska and enriching communities across the state. I look forward to ensuring ����첥A continues with the progress we have achieved under the leadership of outgoing Chancellor Sandeen until we welcome ����첥A's next Chancellor in the coming months."

Schultz holds a bachelor's degree in International Business and German from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University. He received his doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne and his doctoral dissertation was a descriptive study of freshmen adjustment to college at the University of Alaska.

Schultz’s selection as interim comes after an expedited but inclusive process led by a four-member review committee, supported by the HR team. The search for the permanent chancellor will begin later this month. The selection process will be extensive with ample opportunity for ����첥A and public input. Pitney expects to make a selection for ����첥A’s next chancellor in spring 2021.

The University of Alaska Anchorage is Alaska’s largest university, educating nearly 12,000 students annually. ����첥A’s mission is to discover and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, engagement and creative expression. Learn more at.

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For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).

Dr. Bruce Schultz, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs - Download image