‘Visionary leadership’: UAH President Charles Karr announces retirement

HUNTSVILLE – Dr. Charles L. Karr, president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville since 2022, is retiring next year, the university announced.

Karr joined UAH as interim president in November 2021 and was named the university’s president in September 2022. His retirement is effective May 2026, concluding a transformative tenure defined by visionary leadership, deepened community engagement and the creation of a dynamic campus atmosphere, the university said in a news release.

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 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.”

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 University of Alabama 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 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 Track and Field Complex, and critical funding was secured to develop the former Executive Plaza site on Sparkman Drive.

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, the news release said.

He was pivotal in the establishment of the first-of-its-kind Air Force/Space Force ROTC operating location. Karr’s 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 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, will be living in Florida.

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