Announcing Dr. Marie Gardner as new Mat-Su College director
September 1, 2023
From Chancellor Sean Parnell:
I am pleased to announce that after a competitive national search process, Marie Gardner, Ed.D., will join UAA as director of Mat-Su College.
Dr. Gardner has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and more than 15 years of experience as a higher education leader, including specific expertise leading online and extension campuses.
Most recently, she served as dean for the Ottawa and Online Campuses of Neosho County Community College in Ottawa, Kansas. Before taking on the dean role, she previously served as online campus coordinator and associate dean. She also served as a tenured faculty member at the college and previously as a high school teacher.
Dr. Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Baker University, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas, and both a graduate certificate in community college leadership and a Doctorate of Education in educational studies and educational leadership in higher education from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Throughout the search process, Dr. Gardner emerged as a collaborative leader with a strong student-centered approach to higher education. She also demonstrated an understanding of the importance of shared governance, online learning and the community campus mission that will serve her well in this role.
A special thank you to those who participated in the recruitment process, including community members, the search committee and committee co-chairs Cheryl Siemers and Deidre Berberich.
I also want to extend my gratitude to Talis Colberg for decades of dedicated service to MSC, including more than 13 years as director. Talis’s unwavering leadership and commitment to the college’s faculty, staff and students has set the college up for long-term success, and I wish him the best in retirement.
Dr. Gardner will begin a temporary appointment on Aug. 25, 2023, with her permanent, full-time appointment beginning Oct. 6.
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Gardner in this new role. We are excited to have her join the UAA and MSC teams!
I am pleased to announce that after a competitive national search process, Marie Gardner, Ed.D., will join UAA as director of Mat-Su College.
Dr. Gardner has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and more than 15 years of experience as a higher education leader, including specific expertise leading online and extension campuses.
Most recently, she served as dean for the Ottawa and Online Campuses of Neosho County Community College in Ottawa, Kansas. Before taking on the dean role, she previously served as online campus coordinator and associate dean. She also served as a tenured faculty member at the college and previously as a high school teacher.
Dr. Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Baker University, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas, and both a graduate certificate in community college leadership and a Doctorate of Education in educational studies and educational leadership in higher education from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Throughout the search process, Dr. Gardner emerged as a collaborative leader with a strong student-centered approach to higher education. She also demonstrated an understanding of the importance of shared governance, online learning and the community campus mission that will serve her well in this role.
A special thank you to those who participated in the recruitment process, including community members, the search committee and committee co-chairs Cheryl Siemers and Deidre Berberich.
I also want to extend my gratitude to Talis Colberg for decades of dedicated service to MSC, including more than 13 years as director. Talis’s unwavering leadership and commitment to the college’s faculty, staff and students has set the college up for long-term success, and I wish him the best in retirement.
Dr. Gardner will begin a temporary appointment on Aug. 25, 2023, with her permanent, full-time appointment beginning Oct. 6.
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Gardner in this new role. We are excited to have her join the UAA and MSC teams!
Sean Parnell
UAA Chancellor
UAA Chancellor