After Failed Jump to Wisconsin, U. of Alaska President Resigns

James R. Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska system, will resign from his post after an abortive effort to take the top job at the University of Wisconsin system. Alaska Public Media reported that Johnsen’s resignation was announced at a meeting of the system’s regents on Monday.

Earlier this month, Johnsen was named the sole finalist for the presidency of the Wisconsin system, but he withdrew his name from consideration after student and faculty outcry — much of it centered on his tenure at Alaska. Last year Johnsen presided over crippling budget cuts to the system, the impact of which have only been intensified by the pandemic.

A spokeswoman for the Alaska system told The Chronicle less than two weeks ago that Johnsen would stay in his old job, and that he was looking forward to working with the board “to chart a course for the university for the years ahead.”

But at least some faculty members weren’t eager to have Johnsen back. A petition circulated by the state’s faculty union called on the president to resign, citing his attempt to switch jobs, among other things.

“By seeking a leadership position elsewhere during this time of extreme distress while the university system is suffering an existential crisis and our students, faculty, staff, and the Alaska community at large yearn for exceptional, transformative, and long-term strategic leadership,” the petition read, “Jim Johnsen has demonstrated that he is more willing to invest his efforts in advancing his own career than in leading the university system through these difficult times.”

On Monday, the system’s board chair, Sheri Buretta, announced Johnsen’s resignation, and the regents voted unanimously to accept it, Alaska Public Media reported. “The decision regarding a change in leadership was mutual and was made after considerable reflection by the board,” Buretta said.

In a statement cited by local media, Johnsen said: “It has been a real challenge leading the university over the last five years, but we made a lot of progress, too. Looking forward, there is no institution more important for creating opportunities for Alaskans than the university.”