UAH President announces retirement for May 2026
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This afternoon, President of University of Alabama in Huntsville announced his plans to retire from the role in May 2026. Dr. Charles Karr and his wife, Jodie, plan to reside in Florida after his retirement.
Since starting his tenure at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in November 2021 as interim president, and then later president in September 2022, Dr. Karr has served the UAH and Huntsville community for the past 4 years. Before joining UAH, he spent 26 years at The University of Alabama and served as the dean of the College of Engineering.
“Purpose. Excellence. Service. Innovation.
These are the values that have guided me throughout my life — and the same values I brought with me to The University of Alabama in Huntsville.”
Dr. Karr on his retirement
Under Dr. Karr’s leadership, the university:
- Broke ground on the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building
- Slated renovations for the Bevill Center into an enhanced Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education and Advanced Training
- Recruited students globally
- Grown the research capabilities of UAH
- Secured funding to develop Executive Plaza
- Established first-of-its-kind Air Force/Space Force ROTC operating location
- Crossed the UAH and UAH Foundation’s endowment into $100 million
His tenure as president will leave lasting effects on the university and the Huntsville community for years to come.
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