The bad news is that Fran Ulmer is retiring as chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The good news is that it's not for another 18 months. Ulmer will stay at UAA to provide a smooth transition and oversee some key appointments before she begins the next phase of her life in mid-2011.
Ulmer has provided a sure, steady hand at UAA since she took office in 2007. Her knowledge of Alaska, good relations with various segments of the community, dedication to building a great university and the respect she commanded as one of our longtime leaders made her an excellent choice as chancellor.
She says she's ready to retire for personal and professional reasons. Well, she's earned it. She's served Alaska as a state legislator, mayor of Juneau, lieutenant governor and university chancellor -- always with distinction and grace. Years ago the late Jay Hammond, Republican governor of Alaska from 1974 to 1982, thought so much of the Democrat Ulmer he promised that if she ever ran for governor, he'd support her.
In 2002, Hammond still thought much of her and kept his word.
Fran Ulmer lost that election. But she's never lost the respect and admiration of her fellow Alaskans.
BOTTOM LINE: One of Alaska's finest leaders says it's almost time to retire.