Acting UA President Michelle Rizk announces Dr. Karen Carey as interim UAS chancellor

University of Alaska Acting President Michelle Rizk has appointed Dr. Karen Carey to serve as interim chancellor for the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). Dr. Carey will begin July 1, succeeding outgoing UAS Chancellor Rick Caulfield.

"I know Karen to be a strong leader who will do an outstanding job as interim chancellor, and continue the legacy of effective leadership demonstrated by Rick Caulfield during his distinguished career," Rizk said. "Her depth of academic leadership experience will continue to be a huge asset to UAS faculty, staff and students and the UAS community."

Earlier this month, the Board of Regents commenced a process to evaluate options for UAS' future. As a result, the search for a permanent replacement for Chancellor Caulfield was suspended and nominations were solicited from the Southeast community for an interim chancellor.

Carey currently serves as the UAS provost. Rizk praised Carey's commitment to UAS, and her years of service as provost. "The UAS community trusts and respects Karen. We all look forward to her leadership."

"First, I want to say how much I have enjoyed working with Rick Caulfield. He has been an amazing chancellor, watched over UAS and has taken the time to build a solid, strong team at UAS," said Carey. "The team at UAS is ready to face the challenges ahead and looks forward to keeping UAS strong and vibrant."

Carey joined the University of Alaska Southeast as provost four years ago this week. She earned her Ph.D. in school psychology from University of Cincinnati, and came to UAS from the California State University Channel Islands, in Ventura, California, where she served as the dean of Arts & Sciences. In that role she was responsible for strategic planning and student learning as well as managing academic programs with more than 200 faculty.

As UAS provost, Carey collaborates with faculty to support the teaching, research and service missions of UAS. She maintains strong working relationships with deans, campus directors in Sitka and Ketchikan, department chairs. and other faculty and staff to ensure high-quality academic performance and institutional effectiveness of the university. Dr. Carey also serves as the academic liaison with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and University to maintain UAS’ accreditation, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable standards and reporting expectations. Dr. Carey is based at the UAS Juneau Campus.

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