Alaska News

Former Chancellor Ulmer becoming Arctic research scholar at UAA

Recently retired University of Alaska Anchorage chancellor Fran Ulmer will be back on campus next month when she assumes a new role – resident scholar on Arctic research.

A former lieutenant governor, Ulmer is already deeply involved in Arctic research and policy. In March, President Obama appointed her chairwoman of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, a four-year posting. She will continue doing that, with her new UAA role complementing those duties.

"Fran brings extensive experience working on arctic policy and arctic research to the position," UAA's new chancellor Tom Case said in a press release. "Fran has worked with industry executives, civic and governmental leaders, national and international community groups, as well as domestic and international university researchers and policy makers in the arena of arctic research. This, coupled with her understanding of higher education through her past positions at UAA, makes Fran an excellent addition to our team as we focus on arctic research, a priority so important to our mission."

Ulmer will assume her new role Jan. 9.

UAA enjoys a close association with the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), whose headquarters are in Hanover, N.H., with offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks. UAA and CRREL began an educational partnership in June 2000 that allows CRREL research scientists and engineers to participate in UAA educational programs.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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