Regents set Spring 2022 for presidential search; extend Pitney contract

January 20, 2021

Dear UA Community, 

As the University of Alaska continues to pursue budget stability and deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to share with you that the Board of Regents decided at its January 15 meeting to postpone the search for the next president until spring 2022 and extend President Pat Pitney’s contract until the next president is named.

More information on the presidential search process will be released as that time grows nearer. In the meantime, I am pleased that Pitney has agreed to continue as Interim President. Her leadership provides the continuity we need, and her work toward building trust and confidence in the university is critical to encouraging enrollment growth.

We thank Interim President Pitney for her dedication and service to the University of Alaska and we thank all of you for your support as we work through these leadership decisions. 

Sincerely, 

Sheri Buretta, Chair

University of Alaska Board of Regents