University of Alaska System

Dr. Pearl Brower Appointed President of UIC

April 29, 2022

Letter to UA Community from President Pat Pitney

It is with both pride and a sense of loss that I announce that the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) has appointed Dr. Pearl Brower, our Senior Advisor for Alaska Native Success, Institutional Diversity and Student Engagement, as its new president. 

Under Pearl's leadership, the UA System made valuable progress on the Alaska Native Success Initiative (ANSI) including adoption of a strategic plan focused on transformation. Through ANSI and our greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, the university system commits to implementing training, transforming institutional messaging, and supporting each university in the implementation of action plans focused on Alaska Native student, faculty and staff recruitment, retention and persistence, along with changing the feel of each of our institutions through signage, celebrations, and honorifics. 

I am committed to continued progress on this important initiative, to addressing and overcoming challenges related to race, equity, diversity, inclusion and ensuring the success of all members of the university community. I recognize the value of having a senior level advisor as a member of my cabinet to provide counsel and guidance on ANSI and DEI efforts. Chief Human Resource Officer Memry Dahl, who is Unangan/Aleut and recently joined the UA team, will take on the role in the interim. Memry has a long history of working on Alaska Native success initiatives in her previous roles and I am confident that she will keep the momentum going as we evaluate how best to meet our goals in the long term.

Pearl will start transitioning into her new role next week and will assist in ensuring a smooth transition. From her new role, Pearl will continue to support ANSI and will remain active on the steering committee.

I recognize the honor this is for Pearl and fully support her decision, even though she will sincerely be missed across the UA system. Pearl has multiple degrees from UAF, including a Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies with an emphasis on Indigenous leadership, so I’m also proud to see a UA alum taking on this leadership role at UIC. 

Please join me in congratulating Pearl on her new appointment, and in thanking her for the great work she has done over the past year.

Pat Pitney, 
President, University of Alaska 

Statement from Dr. Pearl Brower

It is bittersweet to be leaving the University of Alaska. I believe in the mission of higher education and know this is one of the most impactful organizations in our great state. The work the University is embarking upon regarding Alaska Native success, diversity/equity/inclusion, and engaging with potential and current students has gained incredible traction. Everyone working on these initiatives is making amazing strides in a positive direction. I commend the work, enjoyed being a part of this amazing team, and look forward to future partnerships.

In our Alaska Native culture when one is called into a leadership position by the Elders in their community, there is no saying ‘No.’ I am excited to start this new chapter at UIC, and look forward to continuing to engage in many ways with the University of Alaska system.