New president named at University of Alabama in Huntsville
A former University of Alabama engineering school dean will now lead the University of Alabama in Huntsville on a permanent basis.
The University of Alabama System trustees on Friday unanimously approved the appointment of Charles L. "Chuck" Karr as UAH president, a role he has filled on an interim basis since November 2021.
“Furthering the success of UAH is a top priority for the University of Alabama System and the board of trustees,” UA System Chancellor Finis St. John said in a news release. “Dr. Karr’s sustained leadership will bring positive momentum and a strategic, unified vision to UAH as it continues its trajectory as a preeminent doctoral research university in one of America’s fastest-growing and most robust regions.”
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St. John said that during his tenure as interim president, Karr earned the backing of UAH faculty and staff, community leaders, elected officials, and other constituents.
“The enthusiastic support within the institution and throughout the broader community is a proven testament to Dr. Karr and the success he has already achieved at UAH,” St. John said.
While serving as interim president, Karr has increased research activity at UAH, recruited new faculty, and strengthened partnerships with Redstone Arsenal, the Cummings Research Park, and Huntsville's business and education sectors, according to the UA System.
UA System leaders point out that 73% of UAH alums reside in Alabama, meaning that UAH supplies a highly educated workforce to the state and fills the community’s workforce pipeline.
Trustee Ron Gray, chair of the UA System board of trustees' UAH committee, said Karr will keep UAH flourishing.
will flourish
“Dr. Chuck Karr is quite possibly the most dynamic leader that I have ever been associated with, in higher education and beyond,” Gray said. “I am certain that under Dr. Karr’s leadership, UAH will not only reach its full potential but far surpass our expectations.”
Karr is a native of Gulf Breeze, Florida. He earned three degrees at UA: a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, along with a master of science degree, and a Ph.D. Both of Karr's advanced degrees were in engineering mechanics.
He served seven years as a research engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Mines before joining UA’s faculty full-time. Before becoming dean of UA's College of Engineering, Karr was head of UA’s aerospace engineering and mechanics department and associate dean for research and graduate studies.
Karr was at UA's Tuscaloosa campus for a total of 26 years, including his 16 years as dean of the engineering school. He had retired from UA before being named UAH's interim president in 2021.
“It is my highest honor to lead UAH as we work to fulfill our institutional mission as a premier research-intensive university that is responsive to the needs of the community and beyond,” Karr said.
“I am grateful for this incredible opportunity and look forward to working with all those driving UAH toward unprecedented success, including the board of trustees, Chancellor St. John, our faculty and staff, students, and leaders throughout the Huntsville community," he said. "There are many exciting things happening on the UAH campus, and I know there is much more to come in our future.”
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Chuck Karr named president at University of Alabama in Huntsville
