Lifelong Alaskan and University of Alaska alumna Kathleen Wattum has been named interim public affairs director for University of Alaska Statewide System. Wattum, 49, previously served as web information coordinator for the public affairs office. She has 22 years of experience at the University of Alaska in public relations, communications and marketing. Wattum will replace Kate Ripley, who is taking a one-year leave of absence to join her husband, University of Alaska Fairbanks professor Brian O'Donoghue, for a sabbatical year in Pune, India, at Symbiosis International University, where O'Donoghue will teach journalism and online reporting.

University of Alaska Statewide System has secured Patton Boggs to assist with federal relations, following the retirement of federal relations director Martha Stewart at the end of December 2011.

Carla Beam has been selected as the University of Alaska Statewide System's new vice president for university relations.