Dear Colleagues:

Drs. Olswang and Duvall have delivered their oral exit report to the Cabinet on their five-year accreditation visit. While nothing is official until we receive the written report and the decision from the Northwest Commission, we have every indication that our visitors were favorably impressed.

They echoed your comments about our commitment to the public square and student success. They saw abundant evidence that UAA is an institution that "puts students first." They are enthusiastic about our sense of direction.

Many thanks to you all for your team spirit and for the substantive accomplishments in addressing the recommendations made in the 2000 report. I want to express my personal appreciation to Assistant Provost Tom Miller and to Megan Carlson, his good right hand. Drs. Olswang and Duvall were particularly complimentary on the thoroughness of the report and on the planning and orchestration of the visit. Tom and Megan worked 24/7 to make sure that everything would go smoothly.

Special thanks to Interim Provost Jan Gehler for her leadership. On August 15, Jan took on the final stages of preparation for the accreditation visit. She led these efforts, while also leading the production of the White Paper and Metrics II, along with preparation of materials for the Operational Review.

Dr. Duvall praised UAA by commenting that in her entire career, she has seldom seen "such hope." Like her, I am moved by the spirit of this community. I am proud to be your Chancellor.

Best wishes,

Elaine P. Maimon, Ph.D.
Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage