UAS Names New Provost, Native Student Success Specialist
UAS made a couple of administrative hires.
Dr. Maren Haavig has been appointed Provost and Dean of Research and Sponsored Programs. She held the position on an interim basis since July 2020, while the university conducted a nationwide search.
“Dr. Haavig is a dedicated member of the UAS team and has proven that over her nearly two years serving as interim provost. She brings the skills, knowledge, and thoughtfulness needed for the position of provost, and I am extremely pleased that she has accepted the position of provost,” says UAS Chancellor Karen Carey.
Haavig previously served as associate dean for the School of Arts and Sciences, dean of Graduate Studies, and an associate professor of accounting. As provost, Haavig collaborates with faculty to support the teaching, research, and service missions of UAS. She maintains strong working relationships with deans, campus directors in Sitka and Ketchikan, department chairs, and other faculty and staff to ensure high-quality academic performance and institutional effectiveness of the university. Haavig also serves as the academic liaison with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and University to maintain UAS’ accreditation.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as Provost at UAS,” Haavig says. “I look forward to continuing my work here. UAS is a wonderful institution, and I look forward to being a part of its continued success and serving our students.”
Haavig earned her doctor of business administration degree with an emphasis in accounting from Walden University. She also holds master of business administration and bachelor of business administration degrees from UAS as well as a bachelor of arts with an interdisciplinary concentration from Western Washington University, Fairhaven College. She is an active Certified Public Accountant in Alaska.
Prior to working at UAS, Dr. Haavig worked as a finance officer for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, as controller for Alaska Pacific Bank, as an accountant and internal auditor for the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, and as an auditor for the State of Alaska Legislature, Division of Legislative Audit.
Haavig was born and raised in Sitka and currently lives in Juneau.
Current Issue
March 2026
Another UAS alumna returns to the school as Alaska Native Student Success Specialist. Danielle Carlson graduated from UAS in 2017 with a bachelor of liberal arts in social science and communications. She has been a rural admissions counselor for UAS. In her new position, Carlson engages with students, counselors and advisors, and communities to attract and retain Alaska Native students.
Carlson describes herself as Unangax from Sand Point. “My personal background as a first generation, rural, Alaska Native university student at the University of Alaska Southeast has greatly contributed to my six years of success in my previous position as the Rural Admissions Counselor and will continue to aid in my success as the new Alaska Native Retention Specialist,” she says.
Chancellor Carey adds, “Ms. Carlson is the right person, at the right time, for this position. Her work as a UAS recruiter has been outstanding, and I know she has the knowledge and skills to ensure success for all Alaska Native students.”
UAS is classified as a Minority Serving Institution and a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution, based on 20 percent Native enrollment.
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