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November 8, 2019

For Immediate Release
November 8, 2019 

91������ƵS Chancellor Rick Caulfield Announces Retirement Plans

After 35 years of exemplary service and leadership at the University of Alaska, 91������ƵS Chancellor Rick Caulfield plans to retire at the end of the academic year in June 2020.

“I have dedicated my career to the University of Alaska, and I have especially appreciated the opportunity to provide leadership at the University of Alaska Southeast over these past 10 years,” Caulfield said. 

He began his 91������Ƶ career as a faculty member at 91������ƵF’s Bristol Bay Campus, working with the Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development. Rising to the level of full professor, Caulfield’s work at 91������Ƶ included research on the sustainability of Greenlandic Inuit whaling that was the basis for his doctoral study in the United Kingdom. He moved from 91������ƵF to 91������ƵS in 2010 to take up the position of provost, and was appointed 91������ƵS chancellor in 2015.

91������Ƶ President Jim Johnsen thanked Caulfield for his dedication and service to 91������Ƶ. “I am especially appreciative for Chancellor Caulfield’s leadership through the recent successful reaccreditation of 91������ƵS by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.” 

Caulfield praised 91������ƵS administrators, faculty, and staff who worked hard to achieve that result, stating that “the renewal of 91������ƵS accreditation this year reflects the high quality of educational programs at our university and our intense focus on student learning and success. I’m confident that 91������ƵS will maintain that focus even as we continue to address budget challenges.”

The search process for Caulfield’s successor will begin immediately. Johnsen said a representative search committee will be created along with a timeline for the search. The Committee will include representatives from 91������ƵS governance groups, campus advisory councils, and community partners. 

The search timeline will include on-campus visits by finalists in the spring. Visits will include the 91������ƵS Ketchikan and Sitka campuses. There also will be opportunities for input from community members in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka prior to a decision being made by President Johnsen. It is expected that Chancellor Caulfield’s successor will take the reins at 91������ƵS in July 2020.

Chancellor Caulfield and his wife Annie Woodward Caulfield plan to remain in Juneau following his retirement. “We love the Juneau community and the abundant opportunities provided by Southeast Alaska’s environment,” he said.

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For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).