Vice Provost & COH Dean Jeff Jessee announces retirement

Dear UAA community,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my intention to retire as vice provost of UA health programs and dean of the UAA College of Health on July 31 of this year. Serving the University of Alaska for the past four years has been an enormous honor, and stepping away from this role will be bittersweet. I feel it is the right time, though, as I look forward to the new opportunities that retirement will bring.

Since beginning my role in 2017, I’ve been fortunate to work with many of UAA’s exceptional faculty and staff. This has been an absolute highlight of my time here. The university community’s tenacity, creativity and commitment to Alaska are a constant inspiration to me — and make me deeply optimistic about the many achievements that I know are in UAA’s future.

As the university begins its search for an interim vice provost and dean, we will ensure a seamless leadership transition and a continuation of our college’s essential mission. We’ve been through significant challenges during my time here — from the 2018 earthquake, to budget reductions, to an unprecedented pandemic. Through it all, the College of Health has remained dedicated to the success of our students and the health needs of our state. I am deeply proud of this work, and I know it will continue.

It has been a true privilege to serve UAA, and I look forward to my remaining months as part of the university community.

In good health,
Jeff Jessee
Dean of the UAA College of Health
Vice Provost for UA Health Programs

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