The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee has published the position profile for the next president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

The committee invited all members of the campus community as well as university supporters to share feedback and comments on characteristics, qualifications and credentials they believe are essential for the next president of UAH. The committee and consultants with ZRG, the global talent firm supporting the search, solicited this feedback through listening sessions, a survey and email, then synthesized comments to serve as the foundation for the presidential profile.

ZRG is actively advertising and recruiting for the position and encourages nominations, which should be sent to uahpresident@zrgpartners.com. Questions and feedback should also be submitted to this email address.

Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applicants should email a letter of interest and a CV, as two separate PDFs, by January 5, 2026, to Lori Hemmer at: lhemmer@zrgpartners.com.

Further information about UAH may be found at www.uah.edu.

Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP 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.

“UAH is a premier research university on the rise and located in one of the most dynamic cities in the nation, making this presidency an incredibly attractive opportunity for a visionary leader,” said UA System Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. “I am confident this search will result in an outstanding president eager to further elevate UAH. This search is of the highest priority, and I want to thank the members of the search advisory committee for their service.”

The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from UAH’s faculty, students, administration, alumni, and the Huntsville 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.

“As a lifelong resident of this region and a proud supporter of UAH, I am honored to lead this important process,” said Trustee Mauldin. “UAH plays a critical role in our state by providing high-quality education, fueling research and innovation, and driving economic growth. The university is on a strong upward trajectory, and we look forward to identifying a transformational leader who will build on that momentum and steer UAH into its next chapter.”

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. Updates and information about the process will be shared on the official UAH Presidential Search webpage: /uah-presidential-search .

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.

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

UAH Presidential Search Advisory 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, Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP
• 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, Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP
• 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

Listening Sessions

The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee will hold 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 will host one-hour listening sessions focused on faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the local community, and will ask participants to respond to a series of questions and prompts. A listening session will also be held on Friday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for anyone who is unable to attend their designated session or is interested in sharing feedback.

The listening sessions will be conducted via Zoom, with a maximum capacity of 500 attendees per session due to licensing restrictions. Participants must register to reserve a spot and receive the meeting credentials.

• Community: Monday, Oct. 27, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT
  • Zoom registration link: 
    

• Students: Monday, Oct. 27, 3 – 4 p.m. CDT
  • Zoom registration link: 
    

• Staff: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CDT
  • Zoom registration link: 
    

• Alumni: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT
  • Zoom registration link: 
    

• Faculty: Thursday, Oct. 30, 4 – 5 p.m. CDT
  • Zoom registration link: 
    

• Open: Friday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT
  • Zoom registration link: 
    

Individuals can also submit feedback and input regarding essential presidential characteristics, qualifications and credentials and other feedback relevant to the search via a dedicated email address: uahpresident@zrgpartners.com.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP, today announced that President Charles L. Karr will retire in May 2026, concluding a transformative tenure defined by visionary leadership, deepened community engagement and the creation of a dynamic campus atmosphere.

Karr first joined UAH as interim president in November 2021 and was named the university’s president in September 2022. His retirement will mark the close of an extraordinary career — more than 30 years in higher education, including 26 years at The University of Alabama, where he served as dean of the College of Engineering before leading UAH.

“Serving as president of UAH has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Dr. Karr. “Together with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners, and supported by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and UA System leadership, we have elevated UAH’s impact across research, academics and public service. The Charger spirit is strong, and the future of this university is brighter than ever.”

A Legacy of Growth and Excellence

Since assuming leadership, Karr has advanced UAH’s academic mission, strengthened its research enterprise, expanded facilities and championed student success.

“It has been a true honor to work alongside Dr. Karr,” said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. “He has positioned UAH for an even brighter future, and the momentum he has created will launch UAH to new heights. As Huntsville continues its ascent, UAH is perfectly positioned to meet the moment thanks to Dr. Karr’s leadership.”

Major Capital Projects, Research, and Community Engagement

Under Karr’s leadership, UAH initiated major capital projects that will transform the UAH campus. The university broke ground and is nearing completion of the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building, and renovations will soon begin on the Bevill Center, enhancing the Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education, and Advanced Training. The campus will also start construction of a new Track and Field Complex, and critical funding was secured to develop the former Executive Plaza site.

During Karr’s tenure, UAH achieved top-10 federally funded national rankings in four research areas for the 12th consecutive year. The annual research and development expenditures approached $170 million in FY2022 and topped nearly $640 million within the last five years. Of particular note, UAH made a major impact in the weather industry when it became home to the largest mobile weather radar facility in the United States.

Karr’s presidency is held in high regard for his ability to reinvigorate Huntsville’s connection to UAH, helping position the university as a key contributor to the city. He was pivotal in the establishment of the first-of-its-kind Air Force/Space Force ROTC operating location. Karr was the epitome of a gracious host when welcoming international dignitaries, researchers and industry leaders to campus to foster collaboration. His community engagement efforts will continually be mentioned as one of his hallmark accomplishments, especially enhancing relationships with Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, business, education and health care sectors.

“Though Dr. Karr initially stepped in on an interim basis, we were fortunate that he graciously extended his service to UAH to see through a critical period of transformation,” said Trustee Ronald Gray. “What began as a short-term commitment became a pivotal chapter in the university’s history. Dr. Karr’s dynamic leadership, incredible drive and unwavering belief in the potential of UAH has launched the university on a strong trajectory that matches the remarkable growth of Huntsville and the surrounding region.”

Enrollment and Academic Quality

A passionate advocate for student recruitment, Dr. Karr traveled extensively across Alabama, Tennessee and beyond to connect with prospective students. His efforts contributed to record-setting, high-achieving freshman classes in Fall 2024 and 2025, with average GPAs of 3.97 and ACT scores of 27. UAH saw the continued rise in academic quality across all student populations and garnered national recognition for UAH’s Colleges of Business, Engineering, and Nursing.

Athletics and Student Life

Karr oversaw a renewed emphasis on athletics and student life at UAH. The university earned multiple Gulf South Conference championships, including Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Softball, Men’s Track and Field, Men’s Basketball and Men’s Cross Country. A successful athletic logo rebranding was launched to modernize the Chargers’ visual identity. The beloved 4.0 Night tradition honored 128 student-athletes for academic excellence in 2024, which was the most ever.

Students have often remarked that they have felt Karr’s presence when he attends one of the nearly 200 student organizations’ events. From hitting flyballs to the baseball team to cheering on the Space Hardware Club at NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge, he demonstrated an enthusiasm for students that nurtured a warm and vibrant campus life.

A Celebrated Legacy

Karr’s unprecedented successes have earned him numerous awards, and most recently he was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. He has served on various local and state boards, making a significant impact. The UAH and UAH Foundation’s endowment crossed the $100 million threshold during his presidency. Millions were raised to support technology and innovation initiatives throughout the campus to build a brighter future. His leadership has left a lasting imprint on higher education, research and the communities he has served.

Karr underscored his intention to continue working on campus priorities while supporting the transition.

“Under Dr. Karr’s leadership, UAH has strengthened its identity as a research and academic powerhouse and a critical asset to the success of this region and our nation,” said Trustee Jeff Gronberg, chair of the Board’s UAH Committee. “Dr. Karr has built tremendous momentum that will allow the university to capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Karr’s service and wish him and Jodie the very best in this well-earned retirement.”

Karr and his wife, Jodie, have made a noteworthy mark on the Huntsville community. Upon retirement, they will be living in Florida.

Karr’s announcement provides time for Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP Board of Trustees and UA System leadership to conduct a comprehensive national search for the next leader of UAH. The UA System will soon appoint and announce a presidential search advisory committee, which will be supported by an executive search firm.

The one-day event featured presentations from academic and industry leaders, panel and roundtable discussions, and workshops. More than a dozen faculty, staff and researchers from the University of Alabama System’s three universities and UA System affiliate Southern Research delivered presentations or participated in expert discussions.

Dr. Ravi Pendse, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at the University of Michigan, delivered the keynote presentation, entitled “Generative AI – A Force for Positive Disruption.” He asserted that generative AI has the potential to be as transformative to society as the internet, and educators must ensure students can utilize these tools effectively in order to succeed in their future careers.

Other sessions covered topics such as AI in teaching and research, AI at HBCUs, ethical and privacy responsibilities, and industry-focused breakouts on higher education, business, defense and health care.

Each of the UA System’s institutions are national leaders in providing premier education and research, making UAH, located in the heart of high-tech Huntsville, a perfect venue for learning and exchange with professionals from across the state and nation. Remaining at the forefront of emerging innovations such as AI is vital to the UA System’s commitment to improve education across the state and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.

Visit the for more information and photos from the event.

The McMahon-Pleiad Prize was created in honor of Trustee Emeritus John J. McMahon Jr. and his family’s contributions to the UA System and the state and is awarded annually to a faculty or staff member at one of the UA System’s entities: the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), UAH or the UAB Medicine enterprise. The honoree receives a $75,000 award, half of which is earmarked to furthering the recipient’s contributions through teaching, research or service.

“This isn’t a solo effort,” Xu said on hearing the announcement. “My success has been possible because of all the support, encouragement and mentorship provided to me over the years. I want to thank Trustee Emeritus McMahon as well as Chancellor St. John and the rest of the selection committee for this great honor. I look forward to continuing this important work.”

Last year, Xu also received the UAH College of Engineering Outstanding Senior Faculty Award during Engineering Week, the COE Outstanding Faculty Research Award during Honors Day and the 2023 COE Outstanding Faculty Member Award as part of the University Awards for Excellence. Xu’s research expenditures over the last 11 years total approximately $5.4 million, and he is the Principal Investigator on four major federal research grants, receiving funding from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Defense.

Xu’s research into atmospheric pressure plasmas has involved collaboration with multiple Alabama universities working to develop methods to improve plant growth and yield, as well as food sanitization. His work in laser plasmas is delving into physics of fusion energy and fusion propulsion, and his research in rotating detonation engines is seeking to create a novel propulsion system for hypersonic defense vehicles. He also works to build pathways to connect with the local government and industry community in Huntsville to help support research and student employment.

Dr. Robert Frederick, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of the UAH Propulsion Research Center, commended Dr. Xu’s selection as the prize recipient, noting his dedication to student mentoring and development of novel technologies that advance economic and defense needs. “Dr. Xu’s driving motivation has been to develop the next generation of engineers, scientists and leaders,” Frederick said. “In addition to teaching courses and conducting transformative research, he also provides his graduate students with opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills, present at conferences, build their networks and do interesting work.”

“Furthering the success of UAH is a top priority for the University of Alabama System and the Board of Trustees,” Chancellor St. John said. “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.”

Chancellor St. John said Dr. Karr earned countless votes of support from faculty and staff, students, community leaders, elected officials and other constituents during his highly successful tenure as interim president. “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,” said St. John.

One of Karr’s hallmark accomplishments as interim president has been his keen ability to strengthen partnerships with leaders across the Huntsville area. Relationships with Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, business and the education sector are flourishing under his watch.

“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,” said President Karr. “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. There are many exciting things happening on the UAH campus, and I know there is much more to come in our future.”

Earlier this year, UAH achieved the top level “R1 – Very high research activity” rank in Carnegie research classifications, which is the highest research activity designation among doctoral universities. Research at UAH is a vibrant and expanding function and underscores the University’s valuable position in Alabama as a leading engineering and science research institution.

Under Dr. Karr’s leadership, UAH received one of the most significant appropriations in University history for its engineering building project, which will allow UAH to advance its flagship program, foster innovative and impactful research efforts, and address critical STEM workforce needs. With 73% of alums residing in Alabama, UAH supplies a highly educated workforce to the state and fills the community’s workforce pipeline.

“Dr. Chuck Karr is quite possibly the most dynamic leader that I have ever been associated with, in higher education and beyond,” said Trustee Ron Gray, chair of the UAH Committee of the UA System Board of Trustees. “I am certain that under Dr. Karr’s leadership, UAH will not only reach its full potential but far surpass our expectations.”

Other significant accomplishments achieved by Dr. Karr as interim UAH president include recruiting new faculty and strategic leaders as well as securing merit raises for eligible UAH employees in FY 2023. Institutional giving has doubled during his tenure.

Before being appointed interim president of UAH in November 2021, Dr. Karr had recently retired from The University of Alabama after 26 years of service.

“Dr. Chuck Karr has exhibited the highest degree of excellence in every stage of his extensive and impressive academic career,” said UA System Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore W. Stancil Starnes. “The appointment of a campus president is one of the most important actions taken by the Board of Trustees. We have the utmost confidence in Dr. Karr and know he will be an invaluable asset to UAH, the University of Alabama System, and the State of Alabama.”

During his 16-year tenure as dean of the University of Alabama College of Engineering, Karr was credited with transforming the college into a research and academic powerhouse that ascended in national rankings. He more than tripled the College’s undergraduate enrollment with the recruitment of high-quality students, grew the faculty, supported the construction of new facilities to enhance academic programs, and expanded research activity by increasing research awards more than $45 million.

He previously chaired UA’s aerospace engineering and mechanics department and was the College’s associate dean for research and graduate studies. He spent seven years as a research engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Mines before joining the UA faculty full time.

Dr. Karr is a three-time UA graduate, earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. and Ph.D. in engineering mechanics. He has received numerous prestigious recognitions for his academic and leadership achievements. A native of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Dr. Karr and his wife, Jodie, live in Huntsville and have two adult children, Nathan and Noah.

On the heels of the Alabama State Legislature passing one of the most significant appropriations in UAH’s history, the university is poised to fulfill Huntsville’s STEM workforce needs.

The first phase of a new engineering building project at UAH has received conceptual approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. This initial approval authorizes UAH to formally proceed with planning the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, multistory academic and research facility that will accommodate the College of Engineering’s growth and greatly enhance the advanced research and development capabilities of UAH’s faculty, staff and students.

The College of Engineering plays a pivotal role in driving economic development and supporting high-tech industry, space and defense needs. With a rapidly expanding technological industry, Huntsville has one of the most technical workforces in the U.S. and one of the highest numbers of engineers per capita. UAH supplies a highly educated workforce to the State of Alabama, with 72% of its alumni residing in-state.

The Phase I preliminary project budget of $59.3 million would be funded by a variety of sources, including state appropriated funds, gifts and reserve funds. The Alabama State Legislature voted to appropriate $18 million of state supplemental funds towards UAH’s engineering building project.

“As the preferred site for the U.S. Space Command and the home to Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park, Huntsville is a STEM powerhouse with a critical need for talented professionals in the science, cyber and engineering fields,” said Sen. Tom Butler. “The continued growth of this knowledge-based economy requires a significant increase in STEM graduates. With the vast majority of UAH graduates staying in our state, expanding and enhancing the university’s engineering facility will directly fill our community’s workforce pipeline.”

Research at UAH is a vibrant and expanding function and demonstrates the university’s valuable position in Alabama as a leading engineering and science research institution. UAH recently achieved the rank of “R1 – Very high research activity” status among doctoral-granting universities in the current update of the Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education.

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Chancellor St. John appoints accomplished higher education administrator as next leader of UAH, pending formal approval by UA System Board of Trustees

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – UA System Chancellor Finis St. John today announced that he will recommend Dr. Chuck Karr as interim president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) to succeed retiring president Dr. Darren Dawson. Dr. Karr recently retired from The University of Alabama (UA) after 26 years, which included a lengthy and highly successful tenure as the College of Engineering’s dean.

“We are grateful to Dr. Dawson for his service to UAH, and we are deeply appreciative that Dr. Chuck Karr, an energetic and visionary leader, has agreed to serve as interim president,” said Chancellor St. John. “Dr. Karr has a proven track record of transforming The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering into a dynamic research and academic powerhouse. The Board of Trustees and the University of Alabama System have made the success of UAH a top priority, and I am confident that Dr. Karr is well-positioned to help UAH reach its full potential.”

During Karr’s 16-year tenure as dean, UA’s College of Engineering ascended in national rankings and saw significant growth. Undergraduate enrollment more than tripled with the recruitment of high-quality students, raising the College’s freshman class mean ACT score from 24.8 to 30, and the faculty size grew substantially. Research activity flourished under Karr’s leadership, with research awards increasing by more than $45 million, and innovative academic offerings expanded to meet the demand of industry and society. Dr. Karr supported the construction of approximately $250 million in new facilities to bolster research and learning opportunities.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the interim president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville,” said Dr. Karr. “We will strive for excellence in all that we do, whether that is recruiting additional high-quality students, increasing the size of the faculty, deepening community partnerships, ensuring exceptional educational opportunities, or building new facilities. I look forward to working with the faculty and staff and serving UAH’s students.”

The interim appointment will be for no less than 18 months, beginning December 1, 2021. Dawson will remain employed by UAH through December 31, 2021, to ensure a seamless transition. Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP Board of Trustees will vote tomorrow to approve Karr’s appointment and compensation.

“Now Alabama’s largest city, Huntsville continues to grow and innovative powerhouses are racing to the region, making UAH’s unique capabilities and increased visibility even more valuable assets,” said Trustee Ron Gray, chair of the UAH Committee of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. “The Board of Trustees looks forward to continued growth and success at UAH under Dr. Karr’s proven leadership.”

A native of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Karr is a three-time UA graduate, earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. and Ph.D. in engineering mechanics. He spent seven years as a research engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Mines before joining UA’s faculty full time. Karr, who has received numerous recognitions for his teaching and leadership achievements, was head of UA’s aerospace engineering and mechanics department before becoming associate dean for research and graduate studies and ultimately dean of the College.

Ď㽶ĘÓƵAPP the UA System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of Alabama System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the UAB Health System, a world-class academic medical center. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the University of Alabama System exceeds $10 billion a year.