Embracing change

by Bruce Schultz, UAA Interim Chancellor  |   

Dear UAA Faculty and Staff,

After one month as UAA’s interim chancellor, I remain impressed by our community’s dedication and professionalism. Effective leadership is demonstrated across all our campuses, at all levels. I am humbled by your support and grateful for the role that you play in propelling UAA forward, making necessary progress to ensure UAA meets its mission.

When I assumed this role, I committed to bridge the progress made under Chancellor Sandeen’s leadership to that of our next chancellor. Several important initiatives were introduced and launched, and significant progress is underway. The rationale for these projects remains true and sound. Our shared responsibility to support UAA’s long-term viability and success is paramount. For leaders, that responsibility includes delivering and/or supporting sometimes difficult and unpopular decisions.

At this time, the operationalization of UAA 2025 is underway, the implementation of UAA’s Shared Services unit will occur on March 14 and the Change and Leadership group continues its important work to recommend ways to better align all UAA campuses.

While change can be difficult, I believe it is absolutely essential now for UAA. After nearly 30 years at the university, I am hopeful about the opportunities change can bring while remaining cognizant of the challenges that sometimes accompany it. However, I also recognize the talent, vision and will of our campus communities and feel confident in UAA’s ability to embrace change and recognize it as progress. Sharpening our vision for the future, creating efficiencies wherever possible and optimizing our operations are essential as we face our challenging budget environment while remaining laser-focused on our mission to educate students.

I encourage our leadership teams to lean in, invest wholeheartedly, ask questions, offer suggestions and support our commitment to a successful implementation of these initiatives. Together, we are committed to supporting employees impacted by change. We want to assure those affected of your importance to the success of our collective work. If you have feedback or questions, please reach out to me via the chancellor’s feedback email.

Thank you for the role you play in advancing UAA’s progress on these key initiatives. You make UAA the amazing place it is, and I am grateful every day for the privilege of working alongside you to fulfill our important mission.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Bruce Schultz
UAA Interim Chancellor

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