UAA Announces First Chief Diversity Officer and New Provost

Following two competitive national searches, University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Cathy Sandeen announced the university has filled two integral positions that advance diversity initiatives and academic excellence.

Ms. Jennifer Booz will be UAA’s first Chief Diversity Officer. Booz will lead UAA’s efforts to transform programs, services, and processes to support a vibrant campus life, a positive and equitable culture, a diverse curriculum, and the meaningful inclusion of UAA’s diverse population of students, staff, and faculty. Booz comes to UAA from the University of Toledo where she served as director in the office for diversity and inclusion. She has twenty years of experience as a postsecondary administrator, including as a dean of students. She has facilitated dialogues about diversity and inclusion with local, regional, and national audiences including nonprofits, corporations, and government officials.

Dr. Denise Runge has been selected as UAA’s next provost. She is currently the dean of the UAA Community and Technical College. Under her leadership, the college has sharpened its focus on academic advising and student support, resulting in increases in student retention and persistence. Her background includes academic leadership experience as associate director of academic affairs at Prince William Sound College, associate dean of academics at Helena College, vice president of academic affairs at Oglethorpe University and dean of the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Southern Mississippi.