The University of Alabama System has launched a national search for the next president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). A presidential search advisory committee has been appointed and will play an important role in the search process by soliciting input from stakeholders, developing the presidential profile and position criteria, and recruiting and assessing candidates. All members of the UAH community will have opportunities to provide input on the characteristics and qualifications they believe are essential for the next president.
The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from UAH’s faculty, students, administration, alumni, and the local community, as well as members of the Board of Trustees and UA System leadership. Trustee Evelyn VanSant Mauldin, a north Alabama native and member of the Board, will chair the committee.
To support the search, the UA System has engaged executive search consultants Lori Hemmer and Barry Vines of ZRG, a global talent firm with a dedicated Education Practice. ZRG brings deep experience and insight to this national search, with over 2,100 searches completed for more than 300 educational institutions across the country. Vines previously partnered with UAH in the successful search that led to the appointment of former president Robert Altenkirch.
Interested parties can stay informed about the progress of the search by visiting the UAH Presidential Search webpage, which will serve as the official information source and be updated throughout the search process.
Upon the completion of the search, UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant will recommend a final presidential candidate to the Board of Trustees for approval.
UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee
Chair
- Evelyn VanSant Mauldin, Board of Trustees
Committee Members
- Dr. Amit Arora, Member, UAH Foundation; Co-founder, Neurology Consultants of Huntsville
- Ronald Gray, Board of Trustees
- Jeff Gronberg, Board of Trustees
- Dr. Tonjanita Johnson, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, The University of Alabama System
- DeMarco McClain, Area President, Bank Independent
- Dr. Tommy Morris, Director, UAH Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education; Professor and Eminent Scholar of Computer Engineering, UAH College of Engineering
- Chris Pinckard, President, UAH Student Government Association
- Dr. Jodi Price, Interim Dean and Foundation King-McDonald Eminent Scholars Professor, UAH College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
- Sid J. Trant, Chancellor, The University of Alabama System
- Lynn Troy, UAH Alumna; Member, UAH Foundation; Founder, Troy 7, Inc.
- Dr. Kenneth Vandervoort, Board of Trustees
- Dr. Andrea Word, President, UAH Faculty Senate; Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; Project Director, Project Dial
Committee Support Staff
- Mark D. Foley, Jr., Secretary of the Board of Trustees and System Counsel
- Lynn L. Cole, Vice Chancellor for System Communications
Listening Sessions
The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee held virtual listening sessions for campus community members and university supporters to share feedback and comments on characteristics, qualifications and credentials they believe are essential for the next president of UAH.
The committee hosted one-hour listening sessions focused on faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the local community, and asked participants to respond to a series of questions and prompts. The search consultants and committee members synthesized feedback and used it as the basis for the presidential profile and position criteria.
The listening sessions were conducted via Zoom, with a maximum capacity of 500 attendees per session due to licensing restrictions. Participants were required to register to reserve a spot and receive the meeting credentials.
The listening session schedule was as follows:
- Community: Monday, Oct. 27, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT
- Students: Monday, Oct. 27, 3 – 4 p.m. CDT
- Staff: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CDT
- Alumni: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT
- Faculty: Thursday, Oct. 30, 4 – 5 p.m. CDT
- Open: Friday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT
UAH Presidential Profile
Please click here to view the full UAH presidential profile. Excerpts can be found below.
To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest and a CV, as two separate PDFs, by January 5, 2026, to Lori Hemmer at:
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) invites nominations and applications for a bold, visionary, and dynamic leader to serve as its next President. UAH stands at a defining moment in its history, a moment of tremendous promise, possibility, and purpose. The University seeks a leader who will champion the spirit of discovery that has long defined UAH and guide it toward an even more remarkable future. Founded on a legacy of innovation and fueled by a passion for exploration, UAH has earned national distinction as a comprehensive research university where science, engineering, and technology thrive alongside robust programs in business, nursing, education, the arts and humanities. This breadth of disciplines creates a vibrant academic community committed to advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic innovation corridors, UAH is uniquely positioned to expand its impact through strategic partnerships with federal agencies, industry leaders, and the Huntsville community. The next President will accelerate UAH’s growth trajectory, championing academic excellence across all disciplines, and strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic development and intellectual leadership in Alabama and beyond.
POSITION:
The Presidency of UAH offers a rare and inspiring opportunity to lead a comprehensive university defined by innovation, imagination, and impact. UAH is a place where discovery in science and engineering meets creativity in the arts and humanities, and where business, education, nursing, and the social sciences prepare future leaders to shape a changing world.
The next President will have the chance to build on the University’s strong foundation, elevate its academic distinction, and champion a bold vision that aligns with the evolving needs of students, faculty, and global partners. UAH’s annual research expenditures exceed $150 million, and the institution maintains exceptional financial stability, providing a secure platform for ambitious growth and innovation.
Beyond the campus, the President will serve as a strategic leader and collaborator within the broader Huntsville community, engaging with an impactful network of civic, cultural, educational, and industry partners. As Huntsville continues its exciting growth as a hub of innovation and opportunity, UAH and its next leader will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future by advancing education, research, and community impact across multiple sectors. The President will have a transformative opportunity to strengthen UAH’s partnerships, broaden its impact, and position the University as a driving force for academic discovery, societal advancement and meaningful impact on communities locally and globally.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a Visionary Leader and Driver for Change: Lead the advancement of the University’s mission at a critical moment in order to capitalize on current momentum and potential.
- Grow and Integrate the Research Portfolio: Increase faculty participation in grant-funded research, align academic programs with research priorities, and position UAH to reclaim Carnegie R1 status through strategic investment in graduate education and Ph.D. production.
- Forge Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen and expand relationships with major federal agencies and businesses in Huntsville, including Redstone Arsenal’s 70+ Tenant Agencies, and local and national defense contractors, to enhance UAH’s role in regional innovation and national security.
- Lead Fundraising and Corporate Engagement: Drive philanthropic and corporate investment, particularly within Cummings Research Park and emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Crypto, Forensics, UX and Technical Communications, Technical / Business Law, Cybersecurity, and Aerospace.
- Enhance Campus Life and Student Engagement: Improve the overall student experience by expanding housing, growing Greek life, further investing in the 15 NCAA Division II varsity sports programs, increasing student engagement, and fostering a sense of community on campus.
- Demonstrate a Student-First Leadership Approach: Ensure that all decisions, initiatives, and programs reflect a deep commitment to student success and engagement, placing students at the heart of the University’s mission and fostering an environment where they can thrive.
- Champion Institutional Neutrality and Academic Freedom: Ensure all actions, decisions, and communications support the institution’s neutrality policy, fostering an intellectually independent environment that promotes academic freedom, open inquiry and discovery.
- Support and Empower Faculty: Champion faculty development, recruitment, and retention; promote a culture of academic excellence and innovation; and ensure faculty are rewarded and supported in their teaching, research, and service missions.
- Demonstrate a Transparent Leadership Style: Embrace a collaborative approach with the University faculty and staff that builds trust through open communication and respect for the principles of shared governance.
- Build and Inspire a High-Performing Leadership Team: Lead a strong cabinet of senior administrators, promote operational excellence, and cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
- Articulate and Execute a Bold Vision: Develop and communicate a compelling strategic vision that energizes the campus community, aligns with Huntsville’s growth trajectory, and positions UAH as a national leader in science and technology.
- Create New Energy and Momentum: Serve as a visible, engaged, and inspiring leader who brings fresh perspective, builds trust, and galvanizes support across campus and the broader community.
- Champion the University’s Core Mission and Discover New Opportunities: Foster a continued commitment to excellence, integrity and collaboration, inspiring faculty, staff, students and stakeholders to reach new heights.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES:
Energetic and Dynamic Leadership
- Demonstrates a high level of enthusiasm, visibility, and personal engagement across campus and the broader community.
Mission-Driven Focus
- Deeply committed to UAH’s core values of academic excellence, research innovation, and public service, with a clear understanding of its role in advancing academic excellence.
Strategic Relationship Builder and Civic Leader
- Excels at building meaningful relationships across sectors, serving as a connector between the university and key stakeholders in government, industry, and the local community to amplify UAH’s regional and national impact.
Fundraising Expertise
- Proven ability to lead successful fundraising campaigns, engage corporate partners, and secure philanthropic support to advance institutional priorities.
Strategic Understanding of Huntsville’s Innovation Ecosystem
- Brings a deep appreciation for Huntsville’s unique position in aerospace, defense, and technology, and leverages that knowledge to align UAH’s growth with regional opportunities.
Research Leadership and Institutional Advancement
- A deep appreciation for research and scholarship, with experience leading or contributing to high-impact research initiatives and securing external funding and driving measurable success in advancing research to elevate institutional reputation.
Student-Centered Leadership
- Demonstrates a genuine commitment to student engagement, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student success and well-being while understanding and appreciating the unique and high-achieving student body at UAH.
Experience with Strategic Leadership in Capital Development
- Demonstrates expertise in overseeing large-scale physical property expansions with strategic impact both within the University and in the larger community.
THE PROCESS:
Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
Contact
Individuals can submit nominations, questions, feedback regarding essential presidential characteristics, qualifications and credentials, and other comments relevant to the search via a dedicated email address:
Announcements
| October 21, 2025 | - National Search Commences for Next President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville |
| November 18, 2025 | - UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee Releases Presidential Profile |
