FAIRBANKS: The new leaders at the University of Alaska (UA) and its Fairbanks campus offered an optimistic view of the future to Fairbanks business leaders on.Jim Johnsen, the UA president, and Mike Powers, the interim chancellor at UAF, began their respective jobs on Sept. 1. Both touted the health of the state’s university system during a Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce luncheon on despite the likelihood of lean fiscal times ahead.
Johnsen said he expects more revenue challenges at UA as state oil revenues dwindle but that there are “tremendous opportunities” within the UA system. He singled out the university’s role as a global leader in Arctic research during a time when the region is receiving unprecedented attention.“While I’m president of the University of Alaska, we will never cede our role as the leader in Arctic research,” said Johnsen, who replaced retiring UA President Pat Gamble. “Never.”
Even though more cuts will likely be necessary next year, Johnsen vowed that they won’t be haphazard across-the-board moves. Without specifying, he said areas of importance will continue to receive funding to maintain their strength.“We don’t do salami-slicing distribution of cuts. We’re going to invest in areas, even if we’re declining overall,” he said.Powers, a former hospital CEO and former member of the UA Board of Regents, spoke of his admiration for his UAF predecessor, Brian Rogers, who retired on Aug. 31.
