Former University of Alaska executive Jim Johnsen of Fairbanks has been put forward by the UA Board of Regents as their choice to be the university system’s next president.
Prior to work in the private sector in recent years, Johnsen served in several high profile positions at the university, including chief of staff to former University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton. Johnsen is currently a senior vice president at Alaska Communications.
A release from UA Regents says Johnsen was selected from a group of four finalists by a search advisory committee that included regents, faculty, staff, students, and UA Foundation members. It says Johnsen will meet with stakeholders in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau over the next month, after which regents will review feedback and make a final decision. If hired, Johnsen will succeed retiring UA President Pat Gamble in August.
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
