Leadership transitions continue across the UA system
July 24, 2026
Several leadership transitions are underway across the University of ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ÊÓƵ system as the university prepares for the 2026–27 academic year. New leadership will be stepping into their roles as the fall semester begins.
President's Office
Matt Cooper will begin serving as the University of ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ÊÓƵ's 18th president on Aug. 3, 2026. He succeeds President Pat Pitney, who retired in May. During the transition period, Vice President of University Relations Michelle Rizk has been serving as interim president.
University of ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ÊÓƵ Fairbanks
UAF's next permanent chancellor, Col. Russ Vander Lugt, will begin Sept. 8, 2026. Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga led the university while a national search was conducted, and Larry Hinzman is currently serving as interim chancellor until Vander Lugt's arrival.
Kenai Peninsula College
Karen Davis O'Hara will begin serving as director of Kenai Peninsula College on Aug. 3, 2026. The appointment follows a year of interim leadership by Brian Partridge.
Continuing transitions
Currently, there are several other leadership transitions and interim appointments across the UA system. Employees can expect further leadership updates as new appointments are announced and incoming leadership begin their roles.
Key upcoming dates
- Aug. 3, 2026: Matt Cooper start date as UA president.
- Aug. 3, 2026: Karen Davis O'Hara start date as director of Kenai Peninsula College.
- Sept. 8, 2026: Russ Vander Lugt start date as UAF chancellor.