Final four chancellor candidates visit UAF, explain visions for future

By: Jonathan Wasilewski

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 candidates addressed declining enrollment, financial pressures, artificial intelligence and UAF’s role as a leading Arctic research institution. University officials are expected to select the next chancellor later this month.

Dr. Beena Sukumaran, dean of Miami University’s College of Engineering and Computing, was the first to present May 4. After discussing her background, she talked about the integration of AI, ways the university could achieve R1 status and financial health. Growing up in Malaysia and India, Sukumaran said the value of education was instilled in her and her siblings. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Kerala University in India, she received a master’s degree from Auburn University and a doctorate from Purdue University. She taught at Prairie View A&M in Houston, worked at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and taught at Rowan University in New Jersey for 23 years. She spent seven years as chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Talking about students May 4, Sukumaran said careers can’t be predicted five or 10 years out because things are changing rapidly. She said AI is becoming “all-pervasive” and should be integrated into every department’s curriculum rather than confined to a single course. Sukumaran also pointed out that 30 Ph.D. students graduated from UAF this year, but 70 are needed annually for the university to achieve R1 status. To reach that goal, Sukumaran cited her alma mater, Purdue University, which is launching a program allowing select honors students to move from a master’s degree to a doctorate in seven years. She suggested a similar program at UAF could help the university reach R1 status and also proposed building an innovation center in downtown Fairbanks.

On May 5, William Schnabel, dean of UAF’s College of Engineering and Mines, focused on the Arctic and challenges facing the university, including the high school graduation enrollment cliff and AI. Schnabel is the only finalist currently employed by UAF and one of two candidates living in Alaska. He joined the university in 2007 and holds a doctorate in environmental systems engineering. As dean, Schnabel said he helped lead the university-wide effort to develop and implement a strategy for achieving R1 status.

After discussing the history of Troth Yeddha’ and the university, Schnabel focused on what he called the “headwinds” facing the institution and the need for unification. Around 300 students were enrolled at the start of World War II, but enrollment fell to 70 after the war, a decline of 77%. Schnabel referenced a statistic projecting that the United States will produce 13% fewer high school graduates than it does today. He argued that enrollment must no longer be something the university waits for, but rather something generated through proactive, data-driven recruitment and intentional retention strategies.

Russell Vander Lugt, commander of the 11th Airborne Division’s Arctic Aviation Command at Fort Wainwright, was the third candidate to speak May 7. After thanking the elders and mentors who influenced him and acknowledging the Dene people, Vander Lugt outlined his background. He earned a master’s degree in Arctic and Northern Studies from UAF in 2022 and arrived in Alaska as a lieutenant in 2002. He said researchers need to be physically present in the Arctic to fully understand the region.

Vander Lugt discussed a draft 10-year vision for transforming the Arctic if selected as chancellor. The plan begins with a community vision summit and aims to improve the student experience, focusing on retaining students at UAF and in Alaska. He emphasized expanding Alaska Native and Indigenous leadership and positioning the university as a national leader in Arctic Indigenous education. Referencing his experience managing two complex Army budgets, Vander Lugt said partnerships would help the university navigate financial pressures and make difficult choices aligned with institutional priorities.

Houssam Toutanji, dean of the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University Northridge, delivered his presentation May 8. Toutanji earned a doctorate in civil engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1992 and previously served as a dean at Western Michigan University. He said his leadership philosophy is based on people, resources and purpose and described his vision for UAF as student-centered. Toutanji also said he intends to continue and strengthen Indigenous programs at the university.

Like Schnabel, Toutanji discussed the high school enrollment cliff and ways UAF could attract more students. He suggested expanding Indigenous and rural access, simplifying advising and offering three-year-degree options. Regarding R1 status, Toutanji said UAF should recruit more Ph.D. students internationally and invest in resources to support that goal. He also emphasized collaboration with industry and preparing students for Alaska’s workforce needs. Toutanji said transparency in budgeting is important to bringing additional funding to the institution.

According to the official UAF chancellor search website, one of the four finalists is expected to be selected in May and begin serving in July.