Closing a chapter: UAA prepares to say goodbye to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Bruce Schultz

 

The 2021-22 academic year saw a return to normal for many staples at UAA, like the reinstatement of in-person instruction and commencement. One glaring change moving forward will be the departure of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Bruce Schultz, Ed.D. Dr. Schultz will be retiring mid-July 2022 after 30 years with UAA, serving under eight chancellors at virtually every level at the university — all in support of student success.

"It is not common for student affairs professionals to spend the entirety of their career at one university," said Dr. Schultz. "However, for me, UAA has been an excellent fit and I've truly enjoyed working with the university's amazing student leaders, staff who are visionary and adept problem solvers and faculty so committed to student success. Our shared journey, to build the very best UAA for who our students are, has been incredibly rewarding."

Dr. Schultz began his UAA career in 1992 as administrative coordinator of Residence Life before quickly moving up to become associate dean of students in 1995 and the associate vice chancellor for student development and dean of students in 2005 until he was appointed vice chancellor for Student Affairs in 2010.

As vice chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Schultz advanced a student-centered agenda across the entire student journey. During that time, he championed the adoption of the Student Success Collaborative, created the Military and Veterans Student Services office, transformed Enrollment Services operations and restructured Student Affairs to improve effectiveness amidst reductions in funding. He co-chaired the Diversity Action Council, which saw the development of UAA's first Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and the hiring of UAA's first chief diversity officer.

Most recently, Dr. Schultz led the university as interim chancellor in 2021, supporting UAA's distribution of more than $5 million of CARES Act funding. In addition, he led the bookstore's online transition, emphasized the transformation of the critical college introductory experience for first-year students, created synergy between student engagement and multicultural student programs, and built more effective collaborations among the University Advancement, Administrative Services, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs units to transform the total educational experience of students — all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're extremely thankful for Bruce's three decades of service at UAA," said Sean Parnell, UAA Chancellor. "I will miss his calm and steady leadership, especially recently, since we've had some turbulent times. In every decision that was discussed, whether it was at the Cabinet level or with Student Affairs, Bruce always brought the focus to ‘How is this going to benefit students?' Going forward I will try to emulate that student-first mentality that Bruce brought with him into work everyday — and has brought for three decades."

For his professional service and leadership, Dr. Schultz has received recognitions, including the Thomas M. Mangoon Excellence in Counseling Award from the American College Personnel Association; and UAA Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Outstanding Contributions to Students, Excellence in Outstanding Collaboration Among University Departments and Excellence in Exemplary Group Achievement.

Having led with profound thoughtfulness and patience while promoting dignity and respect for all people, Dr. Schultz has inspired progressive and significant improvements during his time at UAA that have benefitted — and will continue to benefit — generations of Seawolves and Alaskans for years to come.

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Stop by the Student Union Den, Tuesday, June 28, from 3:30-5 p.m. to thank Dr. Schultz for his years of service at UAA and to wish him well in his retirement and future endeavors.