Friday Focus: Financial and Business Services developments
Sept. 12, 2025
— By Amanda Wall, associate vice chancellor for financial and business services
I am pleased to share some new developments in Financial and Business Services. Our teams continue to focus on strengthening support for UAF’s teaching, research, and service missions through improved communication, collaboration, and professional development.
One area of focus is the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration, which plays a critical role in advancing UAF’s research enterprise. On June 30, OGCA welcomed Lisa Allen as its new director. Lisa brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education and sponsored programs, with a strong background in team development, organizational leadership, and research administration. Since her arrival, she has been meeting with research administrators and campus leadership to learn more about existing strengths, needs, and opportunities.
- OGCA has already identified several priorities to enhance services, including:
- Redesigning its website and updating information to meet current needs
- Launching a monthly newsletter to increase communication in a dynamic environment
- Implementing a formal training program for the research community
- Expanding transparency into OGCA operations
Beyond OGCA, F&BS is excited to announce the launch of a new mentoring program, managed by Carla Browning, UAF’s onboarding and engagement manager. This initiative, developed in response to feedback from the employee engagement survey and task force, will roll out in September using , a mentoring platform designed to foster stronger professional connections across the university.
As a division, F&BS is committed to building a culture that values transparency, mutual support, and shared learning, while continuing to provide essential services that advance UAF’s success. Lisa’s arrival adds valuable leadership capacity and energy to this work, and we are pleased to welcome her to our team.
OGCA, along with several F&BS departments, is located on the main floor of the Butrovich Building. While some of our staff work remotely, we maintain a consistent in-person presence. If you’re in the area, please stop by - we’d love to connect, introduce you to our team, and learn more about how we can support your work.
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.