The University of Alaska Board of Regents said Tuesday it appointed Jim Johnsen, a senior vice president at Alaska Communications, as the 14th president of the UA system.
Johnsen, a former UA vice president, will succeed Pat Gamble, who became president in 2010 and announced his retirement in December. Johnsen will take over as president of the UA system, which encompasses 16 campuses across Alaska, on Sept. 1, according to a release from UA.
"Dr. Johnsen is an experienced and thoughtful leader with diverse experience in higher education, government and business. Earlier this month, during visits to UA's three main campuses, he demonstrated that he listens and solicits input from the campus community, speaking with 32 groups representing faculty, staff, students, alumni and interested community members," said Jo Heckman, board chair, in the release.
Earlier this year, a search advisory committee reviewed resumes of 24 applicants for the position. The committee forwarded four names to regents. In June, the regents selected Johnsen as the single finalist for the position. They then took a month to meet with various groups across the state and get feedback before taking a final unanimous vote Tuesday at a special meeting.
Johnsen said in the release he was humbled at the offer.
"I certainly promise to do my best to live up to the university's highest ideals in serving our people and our state," he said. "I will work with the university's many stakeholders to expand access and affordability, drive cost effectiveness and promote academic excellence in everything we do."
UA said in a release Johnsen's contract is for five years with an annual salary of $325,000. He could also get an annual performance bonus of up to $75,000. The bonus will be tied to metrics determined by Sept. 30.
Two of UA's three main hubs will have new chancellors this fall. Last week, Gamble named UA Regent Mike Powers interim chancellor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks after Brian Rogers retired. On June 1, Rick Caulfield, a veteran UA professor and administrator, replaced outgoing University of Alaska Southeast chancellor John Pugh, who retired.