November 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 25, 2025

University of Alaska Regents invite public participation in presidential search process

In-person listening sessions in Juneau, Fairbanks, Anchorage will gather feedback on attributes, qualities needed in UA’s next president

(FAIRBANKS) —  Alaskans are being asked to help define the leadership Alaska’s university system needs for the future. The University of Alaska (UA) Board of Regents is inviting citizens statewide to participate in listening sessions during the second week of December in Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage as they gather feedback on the qualities and attributes Alaskans believe UA’s next president should have. 

WittKieffer, the firm assisting the Board with the presidential search process, will use the community feedback to inform the candidate profile and position description. The Board anticipates opening the role for applications in early January 2026. Full details on the in-person listening sessions are available at alaska.edu/pres/pres-search.

“For over a century, UA has been dedicated to serving the people of Alaska and advancing our state’s workforce, research prowess, and student-success priorities; the president plays a critical role in guiding our system to achieve those goals,” Board of Regents Chair Scott Jepsen said. “These listening sessions will allow us as a Board to hear from Alaskans about their desires for UA’s next president, and what qualities you think that person will need to thrive as the leader of our university system. There will be opportunities for input through in-person listening sessions and written comments to help guide the Board’s selection.”

The sessions will focus on three key questions:

  • What are the things you would like for the new president to accomplish?
  • What are the qualifications and qualities a president needs to achieve the above, and to thrive in the role?
  • What makes you proud to be part of the Alaska community, and excited about the future?

All sessions will be led and moderated by WittKieffer. Those unable to attend the in-person listening sessions may submit written feedback through an anonymous survey available beginning December 8 through the close of business on December 12.

Listening Session Schedule

  • Juneau Community Listening Session
    Monday, December 8, 2025
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Glacier View Room, Egan Library Classroom Wing
    11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801
    (Campus Map)

  • Fairbanks Community Listening Session
    Tuesday, December 9, 2025
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    Bunnell Building, Schaible Auditorium
    1790 Tanana Loop Fairbanks, AK 99709
    Parking is free after 5pm; the following lots are recommended: Bunnell South (3G), Eielson South (3C), or Signers (3A). (Campus Map) 
  • Anchorage Community Listening Session
    Thursday, December 11, 2025
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    Engineering and Industry Building Solarium (2nd Floor)
    2900 Spirit Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
    Parking is free after 5pm; the South Parking Lot between the EIB, AVIS Alaska Sports Complex, Student Union, and Bookstore is recommended. (Campus Map)

Candidate nominations or other thoughts the public may wish to share can be emailed to the WittKieffer team at: UAlaskaPresident@wittkieffer.com.

In November, UA President Pat Pitney announced that she will retire in May of 2026, capping nearly 30 years of service to Alaska. The Board and President Pitney are committed to a smooth leadership transition; the Board will launch a national search in January, and intends to name a new permanent president prior to President Pitney’s official retirement.

Search Timeline and Next Steps

Alaskans’ input will play a key role in shaping the leadership profile and priorities for the next president. Feedback from public sessions, as well as similar sessions with UA students, staff, and faculty will inform the final position descriptions. The Board anticipates accepting applications beginning after the first of the year, and intends to name a new permanent president in May 2026.

The University of Alaska inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples. A land-, sea- and space-grant system of higher education established in 1917, the UA system’s three universities (UAA, UAF, and UAS) are separately accredited institutions with 13 community campuses and extended learning centers across the state of Alaska.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, UA director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell), or via email at jmtaylor9@alaska.edu.