John R. Pugh was appointed Chancellor of the University of Alaska Southeast on August 2, 1999 by University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton.

Chancellor Pugh's educational background is in philosophy and social work. He is the former Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and the Dean of Faculty at UAS. He came to the university after a 15-year career with the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services. Chancellor Pugh served as the Commissioner of the department from 1983-1986.

John Pugh is active in community service organizations such as Rotary International. He served a number of years as Chair of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory and as a trustee on the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. He was the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Alaska Chapter Social Worker of the year in 2001.  Presently, Chancellor Pugh serves on the Council of State Representatives for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.