BROOKINGS – Kinchel Doerner has been named the dean of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Doerner, who has served as dean of South Dakota State University’s Graduate School since 2012, starts at UAF Aug. 4. Doerner’s last day at SDSU is July 23.

“We are appreciative of Kinchel’s time at South Dakota State University and his leadership in growing the number of graduate programs offered and making the graduate school a high-performing, quality experience for students from around the world,” said Dennis Hedge, SDSU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Kinchel will certainly be missed, but we recognize the professional opportunity this move provides and wish him tremendous success in his new endeavor.”

During his time at South Dakota State University, more than 20 graduate programs were added by the university’s seven degree-granting colleges. In addition, he also served as the interim vice president of the Division of Research and Economic Development and as the interim dean of the newly formed College of Natural Science.

“I am very grateful for the opportunities South Dakota State has provided for me and my family,” Doerner said. “I appreciate all of the support I’ve received and friends I’ve made. I wish them the best for the future.”

Before arriving at South Dakota State, Doerner spent 16 years at Western Kentucky University, initially as an assistant professor of biology before working his way to the rank of full professor in 2010. He was also the associate dean of graduate studies and research from 2010-12.

Doerner has published dozens of national and international abstracts and peer-reviewed publications. He was a visiting scientist in 1989 in the Department of Biochemistry at the Cambridge Research Station in Cambridge, England. He has been an elected trustee on the Council of Graduate Schools, the national organization for the graduate school deans, and currently serves as the chair for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools.

UAF’s College of Natural Science and Mathematics offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the physical and life sciences, statistics and mathematics, and education. 

CNSM is home to the Biomedical Learning and Student Training program, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, and K–12 outreach programs, including the Science Potpourri, the Alaska Summer Research Academy, Inspiring Girls Expeditions and GeoFORCE. In these and other programs, high school and university students work with CNSM faculty on original research projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Alaska.