Here's the University's Press Release:
UA Regents announce new president—Patrick K. Gamble
The University of Alaska Board of Regents has offered the position of system president to Patrick K. Gamble, which he has accepted.
“We believe Pat has the leadership skills, the management expertise and familiarity with the state of Alaska that will serve UA well,” said Board Chair Cynthia Henry. “We are impressed by his support for the University of Alaska and his interest in addressing the issues we face. We’re very pleased he’s accepted our offer.”
Gamble currently is president and chief executive officer of the Alaska Railroad Corp., a position he’s held since 2001. He retired as a four-star general in 2001 after a long career with the U.S. Air Force.
Gamble will replace current UA President Mark Hamilton, who announced his retirement last June. Hamilton has served as president of the 15-campus UA System since 1998. The board expects a smooth transition between the two to occur in June.
“I’m excited but humbled by this opportunity,” Gamble said today. “I have a high degree of respect for the University of Alaska, its mission and its service to students. This is a very important appointment, but it’s not one I’ll do alone. I look forward to working with a variety of people in the months and years ahead, including our students, faculty, staff, community members, elected officials, alumni, donors, business partners and others with an interest in the success of this institution.”
Gamble said his number one priority as president will be to ensure a quality education for students. He also wants to gain more public support for the University of Alaska, continue the university’s strong presence in research important to Alaskans and engage the university in broader state economic development opportunities.
Gamble received a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Texas A & M University and a Master of Business Administration in management from Auburn University.
Under Gamble’s tenure at the Alaska Railroad, railroad assets tripled to over $860 million and net earnings more than doubled. Before leading the railroad, Gamble served as the top U.S. Air Force executive in the Pacific Region. As Commander of Pacific Air Forces, Gamble was responsible for planning, programming, budgeting and operations of 14 installations that included 45,000 employees and 400 aircraft, with an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion.
I wish the new president well and may he lead the University to new levels of achievement in teaching, service to Alaska, and research.
Oh, no, just what UA does NOT need, another damned overpaid general instead of an academic. What we will get will be more of the same we've just had, emphasis on business-friendly "research" and job training, less on true academic pursuits and pure science.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't have a lot of faith in how this retired general will deal with the ongoing sexual assault problems on all of the UA campuses, given his record at the Air Force Academy.
Time for some new Regents IMHO, ones that will question the status quo and consider the needs of students rather than the priorities of UA's overpaid administrators. I don't have much hope that UA will reduce its admin staff and overhead and put those resources in the classroom where they belong.
Yet another reason why I will NOT be donating to my alma mater.