March 10, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2023

University of Alaska Announces Passing of Regent
Darroll R. Hargraves

(Fairbanks, AK) - It is with deep sadness that the University of Alaska announces the passing of Regent Darroll R. Hargraves on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, after a period of illness, surrounded by family. Regent Hargraves served on the Board of Regents since 2019, and was a long-time, dedicated public servant to the people of Alaska. 

“On behalf of the Board of Regents and the University community, we offer our deepest condolences to Darroll’s family, friends, and colleagues,” UA Board of Regents Chair Ralph Seekins and President Pat Pitney said. “His commitment to educating Alaskans spanned decades, and we are honored to have been able to work with him in many capacities over the years. He will be dearly missed.”

Darroll R. Hargraves moved to Barrow (Utqiagvik) in 1966 with his wife, Savanah, and their two children. His career as an educator took him across Alaska to Kivalina and Gambell. He later served as superintendent of schools in Nome, Ketchikan, and Tok, and as a consultant superintendent in five other districts. He was appointed by Governor Hammond to serve on the Task Force on Effective Schooling, and served as the executive director of the Alaska Association of School Administrators. He began his term on the Board of Regents after being appointed by Governor Dunleavy in 2019.

Regent Hargraves received a master's and an education specialist degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and multiple members of his family also attended the University of Alaska System. He served as the director of the division of statewide services at UA from 1971 - 1974, and also taught school finance and magazine article writing as an adjunct professor at the university.

The University asks that community members respect the Hargraves family’s privacy during this difficult time.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents is an 11-member volunteer board, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. Members serve an eight-year term, with the exception of the student regent who serves a two-year term. The Board was established through the Alaska Constitution and is responsible for University of Alaska policy and management through the university president.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, director of public affairs at jonathan.taylor@alaska.edu, or 907-350-0168 (cell).