FAIRBANKS—University of Alaska President Pat Gamble plans to step down next summer after five years on the job, triggering a move by the UA Board of Regents to begin looking for a new leader at a retreat in January.
"President Gamble's commitment to the university and its students is a deep and genuine one. It capstones a lifetime of serving our country and our state. He deserves the time that retirement will allow to enjoy family and explore personal interests," said UA Regents Chairwoman Jo Heckman of Fairbanks.
Gamble told the regents Friday he plans to retire June 1. He began the job June 1, 2010.
Earlier this year, the regents offered Gamble a $320,000 retention bonus if he stayed on the job until May 2016, but after it became a political controversy, Gamble asked that they reconsider and the regents voted 9-1 to pull back the offer in September.
In a press release Monday, Gamble said the university is moving "forward on a path that builds on excellence and enhances its sustainability. We have a solid team of strong leaders, the chancellors, provosts, and other system executives, as well as highly-engaged faculty and staff who are working together and coming up with innovative ways to advance the university."
Heckman said while it will be hard for the university to lose Gamble, "the work he's done makes the University of Alaska highly attractive to potential candidates for the position."
The regents will discuss the process for filling the position at a scheduled board retreat in January.