UAF Chancellor Search

Open forums: Monday, May 4

• 9:15-10:45 a.m. - Student, staff and faculty forum
• 5:30-7 p.m. - Community reception and forum

Beena Sukumaran

Beena Sukumaran, dean of Miami University’s College of Engineering and Computing, is an academic leader and engineer with more than 30 years of experience in institutional transformation. As dean, Sukumaran has led curricular reforms that prioritize experiential learning, community engagement and industrial outreach. Under her leadership, the college has increased revenue through fundraising and externally funded research. Sukumaran used "future-back" strategies to launch programs in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and robotics. Before joining Miami University, she spent more than 20 years at Rowan University. Her roles there included head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, president’s fellow for diversity and inclusion, and vice president for research.

A fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education and a Fulbright Specialist, Sukumaran holds a doctorate from Purdue University, a master’s degree from Auburn University and a bachelor's degree from Kerala University.

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Form opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 4 and closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7

Open forums: Wednesday, May 6

• 9:15-10:45 a.m. - Student, staff and faculty forum
• 5:30-7 p.m. - Community reception and forum

William Schnabel

William Schnabel serves as dean of the College of Engineering and Mines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, leading UAF’s Arctic-focused engineering programs. Since 2019, he has guided the college through institutional complexity while advancing a strategic vision centered on enrollment growth and Arctic impact.

Under his leadership, the college has strengthened student enrollment through faculty-driven recruitment and retention initiatives, introduced new programs in aerospace and energy resource engineering, and increased research productivity addressing Alaska’s critical infrastructure, water and energy challenges. He has deepened partnerships with industry, government and communities across Alaska, reinforcing the university’s century-long commitment to workforce development and Arctic-focused research.

Schnabel joined UAF in 2007 and has served in key roles, including director of the Institute of Northern Engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer and a UAF alumnus. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Purdue University, a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Iowa and a doctorate in environmental systems engineering from UAF. He is known for his dynamic leadership style and his collaborative approach to problem-solving.

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Form opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6 and closes at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9

Open forums: Thursday, May 7

• 9:15-10:45 a.m. - Student, staff and faculty forum
• 5:30-7 p.m. - Community reception and forum

Russell Vander Lugt

Russell Vander Lugt is a senior military officer and Arctic scholar with 26 years of executive leadership experience in complex organizations. A colonel in the Army, he currently serves as commander of the 11th Airborne Division’s Arctic Aviation Command at Fort Wainwright. He 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.

Vander Lugt earned an interdisciplinary doctorate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His research draws on Arctic history, security, anthropology and Indigenous knowledge systems and reflects a longstanding commitment to collaboration with Alaska Native communities. He also served as assistant professor and department chair at the U.S. Military Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has a bachelor’s degree in music and historical theology from Wheaton College, a master’s degree in management science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in Arctic and Northern studies from UAF. 

Vander Lugt and his family have lived in Alaska for two decades and maintain deep ties with the Fairbanks community. His spouse and eldest son are also alumni of UAF.

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Form opens at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 7 and closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 10

Open forums: Friday, May 8

• 9:15-10:45 a.m. - Student, staff and faculty forum
• 5:30-7 p.m. - Community reception and forum

Houssam Toutanji

Houssam Toutanji is an accomplished academic leader and civil engineer with more than three decades of experience in higher education, research and institutional advancement. He currently serves as dean of the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Northridge, where he oversees strategic planning, academic innovation, fundraising and operations for a large and diverse academic enterprise. His leadership has resulted in major philanthropic investments, new academic programs and stronger partnerships with industry and government.

Toutanji is a recognized scholar in sustainable infrastructure, advanced composite materials and resilient systems, with over 80 journal publications and more than $10 million in funded research. A fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a licensed professional engineer, he has received numerous honors, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the John J. Guarrera Engineering Educator of the Year Award, and the NSF-EPSCoR Scholarly Productivity Award, recognizing his contributions to research, education and leadership.

Toutanji holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University and a doctorate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, all in civil engineering. He also holds two certificates from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

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Form opens at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 8 and closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 11