Col. Russell “Russ” Vander Lugt will serve as the next permanent chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, university officials announced Wednesday.

Four finalists for the University of Alaska Fairbanks chancellor position outlined their visions for the university during public forums held May 4–8 on campus.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks hosted two major defense-related announcements Friday where federal and military leaders outlined plans to expand Arctic research, military training and technology development in the state.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks held its 104th commencement ceremony May 2 at the Carlson Center, celebrating the class of 2026. Graduates walked across the stage after years of study to hear their names called and receive their degrees, starting a new chapter as college graduates.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents selected Matthew Cooper, the system’s former general counsel, as its 18th president.

Cooper will succeed President Pat Pitney, who is retiring, and will begin Aug. 3, 2026.

Board Chair Scott Jepsen announced the appointment Friday, citing Cooper’s experience with the university, including work on the UA Land Grant Initiative.

As the College of Liberal Arts looks to hire a new dean, it faces a budget deficit of approximately $700,000 from fiscal year 2025 that resulted in a frozen budget, removal of autonomy over their budget, enlarged class sizes, and limited graduate student working hours. Faculty at the college say the strained budget made it hard to do their jobs due to a lack of resources and question the benefits of administrative overreach.