Friday Focus: On change, gratitude and bright futures
June 6, 2025
— By Nickole Conley, chief of staff
At the ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø, change is something we are no strangers to. Change is one of life’s few constants and is sometimes uncertain or even uncomfortable, but always full of possibility. Whether change provides a new opportunity, a fresh perspective, or a shift in leadership, we are positioned to reimagine what is possible.
Over the years, we have adapted, grown, and even reinvented ourselves, all in pursuit of better serving our students, our state, and the broader world. And now, with the recent retirement of Provost Anupma Prakash and the upcoming retirement of Chancellor Dan White, we find ourselves once again in a moment of transition. One that invites reflection and deep appreciation.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside both Provost Prakash and Chancellor White. Their leadership has been a steady force through complex times, leaving an enduring mark due to their unwavering commitment to UAF.
Provost Prakash brought quiet strength, deep academic insight, and a collaborative spirit to everything she touched. Whether she was shaping academic priorities or celebrating the successes of our faculty and students, she led with heart and grace. She made people feel seen, heard, and valued, always putting people at the center of her work. Though she may have stepped away from her formal role, her imprint on the UAF academic community and culture will remain strong for years to come.
Thank you, Provost Prakash, for being a generous mentor, a thoughtful leader, and a true champion for the transformative power of education.
Chancellor White has led UAF with vision, integrity, and a boundless belief in what this university can be. Through periods of change and growth, he has helped strengthen our research enterprise, expand access, and deepen our commitment to student success and community connection. He has been a steady presence, a bold advocate, and above all, a fearless leader.
While we will miss his presence during daily walks about campus, regardless of the temperature, the foundation he helped lay will continue to support and inspire UAF’s path forward. Because change, at its core, is not just about endings, change is about growth, adaptation, and possibility. And thanks to Chancellor White’s leadership, we are entering this next chapter with confidence, momentum, and optimism.
Thank you, Chancellor White, for your tireless service, your trust in this community, and for helping us dream bigger.
Change is inevitable and essential, and it's change that challenges us, pushes us forward, and opens doors to new ideas, new leaders, and new possibilities. Change is good. It’s what challenges us to grow, evolve, and become stronger. Let's continue to meet these challenges with courage and capture the opportunity it brings. UAF’s future is bright because of the people who have led us here and those who will carry us forward.
Here is to what comes next for Chancellor White and Provost Prakash, for UAF and for all of us at this great university.
Thank you for choosing UAF.
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week.