Charlene Stern to serve as UAF interim provost

May 16, 2025

Dr. Charlene Stern, vice chancellor for rural, community, and Native education (VCRCNE), has agreed to serve as UAF’s interim provost and executive vice chancellor while we conduct a national search for a permanent provost.

To support this transition, UAF Chancellor Dan White has appointed Bryan Uher, associate vice chancellor of rural and workforce education to serve as interim VCRCNE. Uher will continue to fulfill his current responsibilities while stepping into this expanded role. He brings extensive experience from the College of Indigenous Studies and the Community and Technical College, ensuring a smooth and effective transition during this interim period.

Both Stern and Uher will serve in their interim capacities through June 30, 2026, or until a permanent provost is appointed. UAF will launch the national search for a permanent provost and executive vice chancellor on June 1. Candidate screening will take place when academic faculty contracts resume in August. Campus visits for final candidates are anticipated in October 2025, with the goal of appointing a new provost by January 2026.

The provost search committee will be chaired by UAF Chief of Staff Nickole Conley, who will send out formal invitations on my behalf to prospective committee members this week. The committee will include representatives from the following groups

  • A faculty member recommended by the UAF Faculty Senate
  • An additional faculty member reporting through the provost
  • A staff member recommended by the UAF Staff Council
  • A staff member who reports directly to the provost
  • A student member recommended by ASUAF
  • A college dean
  • An institute director reporting through the provost

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A woman with blonde hair and black vest smiles in front of a blue background
Dr. Charlene Stern, vice chancellor for rural, community, and Native education