HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The University of Alabama in Huntsville announced on Monday that President Charles L. Karr will retire in May of 2026.
Karr first joined UAH as interim president in November 2021. Nearly a year later, in September 2022, he was named president.
The university stated that his retirement will mark the close of his long career, spanning more than 30 years in higher education. He was at the University of Alabama for 26 years, serving as the dean of the College of Engineering for 16 of those.
“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 theUniversity of Alabama System Board of Trustees and UA System leadership, we have elevatedUAH’s impact across research, academics and public service. The Charger spirit is strong, andthe future of this university is brighter than ever.”
UAH said that under Karr’s leadership, the school was able to initiate capital projects to transform the campus. They have broken ground on the new Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building and renovations are set to begin soon on the Bevill Center.
Additionally, the university stated that construction will start soon on the new Track and Field Complex.
During Karr’s tenure, the university reached top 10 federally funded national rankings in four areas of research for the 12th consecutive year.
“Though Dr. Karr initially stepped in on an interim basis, we were fortunate that he graciouslyextended his service to UAH to see through a critical period of transformation,” said TrusteeRonald Gray. “What began as a short-term commitment became a pivotal chapter in theuniversity’s history. Dr. Karr’s dynamic leadership, incredible drive and unwavering belief in thepotential of UAH has launched the university on a strong trajectory that matches the remarkablegrowth of Huntsville and the surrounding region.”
The post UAH President Charles L. Karr announces 2026 retirement appeared first on WHNT.
