A pair of UAF vice chancellors — administrative services chief Pat Pitney and research director Mark Myers — were announced last month among Walker’s new commissioners. Pitney now serves as the director of the Office of Management and Budget, while Myers will lead the Department of Natural Resources.
“I have told the transition group that two is enough,” University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Brian Rogers said. “That’s 40 percent of my vice chancellors.”
Rogers said he doesn’t expect any favors from his former employees, particularly while the oil prices that fuel state revenues are slumping.
Still, he said someone who understands UAF and its needs will be an asset in Walker’s administration.
“I think they’ll be well understood,” Rogers said. “That said, it’s hard to be optimistic when the price of oil is below $70.”
Rogers said both Pitney and Myers helped cultivate colleagues who will be able to take their place. The vice chancellor positions will likely be filled without an extensive national search, he said.
“Anytime you have a transition of high-quality leaders there’s always a bump, but I think UAF has always had a strong executive team,” Rogers said.
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