Colonel Russell Vander Lugt selected to serve as next permanent UAF chancellor
June 5, 2026
Russell Vander LugtColonel Russell “Russ” Vander Lugt has been selected to serve as
the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ next permanent chancellor. Vander Lugt, who currently
serves as commander of the 11th Airborne Division’s Arctic Aviation Command at Fort Wainwright, will succeed Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga, who is retiring May 30.
Vander Lugt previously served as director of strategy, plans and programs for Alaskan Command, advising senior defense leaders on Arctic strategy and coordinating joint military activities in Alaska.
University of Alaska President Emeritus Pat Pitney selected Vander Lugt prior to her retirement last week in consultation with the 㽶ƵBoard of Regents, President-Designee Matt Cooper, and Interim President Michelle Rizk. All are confident that Vander Lugt is the right person to serve as UAF chancellor. Vander Lugt was one of 4 finalists for the position in a very strong applicant pool.
Vander Lugt’s first day will be Tuesday, September 8. Dr. Larry Hinzman, a former director of UAF IARC and current director of the 㽶ƵArctic Leadership Initiative, will serve as interim UAF chancellor to bridge the gap between Sfraga’s last day and Vander Lugt’s first.
Pitney, Rizk, Cooper, the Board of Regents, and the entire UAF community are incredibly grateful to Sfraga for his service to the institution as interim following the retirement of former Chancellor Dan White last summer.
Learn more:
Read the full press release issued on May 27
Visit the UAF chancellor search webpage