University of Alaska Fairbanks will have a new chancellor in July

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will have a permanent chancellor in July for the first time in nearly two years: Dan White will take the helm of the university starting July 1.

White currently works as the vice president for academic affairs and research for the University of Alaska system. He started his career with UA in 1995, joining the UAF faculty as a professor of civil and environmental engineering. White later served in administrative roles at UAF, including as the director of the Institute of Northern Engineering, said a University of Alaska statement.

"I am so pleased to announce this appointment," University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen said in the announcement. "Dan brings a depth of knowledge about the university from many perspectives. From his work in the classroom and his role in innovation and commercialization of intellectual property to his administrative leadership in research and academic affairs, he will be a huge asset to UAF faculty, staff and students."

Brian Rogers served as UAF's last permanent chancellor; he retired in August 2015.

The University of Alaska searched for Rogers' replacement while Mike Powers served as the interim Fairbanks chancellor. But in May 2016, UA announced it was abandoning the search while it looked at a new accreditation model. Dana Thomas took over as interim chancellor a few months later.

University officials ultimately decided in the the fall of 2016 that the university system's three main campuses would not change structurally and go from three separately accredited universities to a single accreditation — at least for now. The search for a permanent UAF chancellor started again.

[Study says University of Alaska should not pursue single accreditation. Here's why.]

White was selected from a pool of four finalists. He was the only candidate from Alaska.

The University of Alaska Anchorage is also looking for a new chancellor. Tom Case announced earlier this year that he would retire at the end of June.

Robbie Graham, a UA spokeswoman, said a national search for a new UAA chancellor would begin in the fall "in consultation with UAA faculty and with broad input from UAA faculty, staff and students."

Sam Gingerich, UAA executive vice chancellor and provost, will serve as the interim chancellor at the Anchorage university.