March 16, 2010
UA Regents announce new president—Patrick K. Gamble
For Immediate Release
March 16, 2010
UA Regents announce new president—Patrick K. Gamble
The University of Ӱԭ Board of Regents has offered the position of system president
to Patrick K. Gamble, which he has accepted.
“We believe Pat has the leadership skills, the management expertise and familiarity
with the state of Ӱԭ that will serve UA well,” said Board Chair Cynthia Henry.
“We are impressed by his support for the University of Ӱԭ and his interest in
addressing the issues we face. We’re very pleased he’s accepted our offer.”
Gamble currently is president and chief executive officer of the Ӱԭ Railroad Corp.,
a position he’s held since 2001. He retired as a four-star general in 2001 after a
long career with the U.S. Air Force.
Gamble will replace current UA President Mark Hamilton, who announced his retirement
last June. Hamilton has served as president of the 15-campus UA System since 1998.
The board expects a smooth transition between the two to occur in June.
“I’m excited but humbled by this opportunity,” Gamble said today. “I have a high degree
of respect for the University of Ӱԭ, its mission and its service to students.
This is a very important appointment, but it’s not one I’ll do alone. I look forward
to working with a variety of people in the months and years ahead, including our students,
faculty, staff, community members, elected officials, alumni, donors, business partners
and others with an interest in the success of this institution.”
Gamble said his number one priority as president will be to ensure a quality education
for students. He also wants to gain more public support for the University of Ӱԭ,
continue the university’s strong presence in research important to Ӱԭns and engage
the university in broader state economic development opportunities.
Gamble received a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Texas A & M University and
a Master of Business Administration in management from Auburn University.
Under Gamble’s tenure at the Ӱԭ Railroad, railroad assets tripled to over $860
million and net earnings more than doubled. Before leading the railroad, Gamble served
as the top U.S. Air Force executive in the Pacific Region. As Commander of Pacific
Air Forces, Gamble was responsible for planning, programming, budgeting and operations
of 14 installations that included 45,000 Ӱԭs and 400 aircraft, with an annual
operating budget of $1.4 billion.
His previous military assignments include, among others, serving as commandant of
the U.S. Air Force Academy, directing all training, policy development, dormitory,
food service, military classroom education and logistics support for 4,000 students.
He received the Distinguished Flying Cross from his combat tour in Vietnam, as well
as other military honors.
As president of the UA System, Gamble will earn a $295,000 annual salary.
The UA System has 15 campuses across the state, as well as numerous outreach and extension
sites. The system includes community colleges as well as comprehensive and research-focused
universities. The three largest campuses include the University of Ӱԭ Anchorage,
the University of Ӱԭ Fairbanks and the University of Ӱԭ Southeast.
The UA System has approximately 32,000 students enrolled, about 60 percent of whom
are part-time and the rest full-time---the opposite ratio compared to typical colleges
and universities in the Lower 48. UA offers over 500 degrees, certificates and endorsements,
and conferred approximately 3,500 degrees in FY09. The system’s current operating
budget is approximately $820 million.
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For more information, call Kate Ripley at 907/450-8102. To schedule an interview with
Gamble, call Stephenie Wheeler at 907/265-2671.
For Gamble’s complete resume and a reproduction-quality photo, please go to .
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