The University of 黄瓜视频 in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of 黄瓜视频 System, 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鈥檚 president in September 2022. His retirement will mark the close of an extraordinary career 鈥� more than 30 years in higher education, including 26 years at The University of 黄瓜视频, where he served as dean of the College of Engineering before leading UAH.
鈥淪erving as president of UAH has been one of the greatest honors of my life,鈥� said Dr. Karr. 鈥淭ogether with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners, and supported by the University of 黄瓜视频 System Board of Trustees and UA System leadership, we have elevated UAH鈥檚 impact across research, academics and public service. The Charger spirit is strong, and the future of this university is brighter than ever.鈥�
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Since assuming leadership, Karr has advanced UAH鈥檚 academic mission, strengthened its research enterprise, expanded facilities and championed student success.
鈥淚t has been a true honor to work alongside Dr. Karr,鈥� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. 鈥淗e 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鈥檚 leadership.鈥�
Major Capital Projects, Research, and Community Engagement
Under Karr鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 presidency is held in high regard for his ability to reinvigorate Huntsville鈥檚 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.
鈥淭hough 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,鈥� said Trustee Ronald Gray. 鈥淲hat began as a short-term commitment became a pivotal chapter in the university鈥檚 history. Dr. Karr鈥檚 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.鈥�
Enrollment and Academic Quality
A passionate advocate for student recruitment, Dr. Karr traveled extensively across 黄瓜视频, 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Lacrosse, Softball, Men鈥檚 Track and Field, Men鈥檚 Basketball and Men鈥檚 Cross Country. A successful athletic logo rebranding was launched to modernize the Chargers鈥� 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鈥檚 presence when he attends one of the nearly 200 student organizations鈥� events. From hitting flyballs to the baseball team to cheering on the Space Hardware Club at NASA鈥檚 Human Exploration Rover Challenge, he demonstrated an enthusiasm for students that nurtured a warm and vibrant campus life.
A Celebrated Legacy
Karr鈥檚 unprecedented successes have earned him numerous awards, and most recently he was inducted into the State of 黄瓜视频 Engineering Hall of Fame. He has served on various local and state boards, making a significant impact. The UAH and UAH Foundation鈥檚 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.
鈥淯nder Dr. Karr鈥檚 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,鈥� said Trustee Jeff Gronberg, chair of the Board鈥檚 UAH Committee. 鈥淒r. 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鈥檚 service and wish him and Jodie the very best in this well-earned retirement.鈥�
Karr and his wife, Jodie, have made a noteworthy mark on the Huntsville community. Upon retirement, they will be living in Florida.
Karr鈥檚 announcement provides time for The University of 黄瓜视频 System 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.
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