July 30, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2019
Regents direct university administration to consolidate, seek single accreditation
ANCHORAGE - The University of Alaska Board of Regents took a step today toward consolidation
of the university system into one accredited University of Alaska. By a vote of 8-3,
regents made their decision for providing the best way to serve Alaska’s students
in the face of a severe reduction in state funding.
It was standing room only Tuesday in the board’s three meeting locations around the
state as members of the university community, legislators and Alaskans listened to
the board’s deliberations and to hear from Gov. Mike Dunleavy about the university’s
future.
In describing the fiscal realities facing the university, UA President Jim Johnsen
used a metaphor to describe the choice before the regents. “You need to decide if
the house is on fire or whether it’s just the toast burning,” he said. “In my view,
the house is on fire.”
Regent Mary K. Hughes introduced the motion that would, with oversight from a newly
formed subcommittee of the board, develop a revised organizational structure for the
university and work with students, faculty and staff governance to bring about the
transition to a new UA.
In addition, regents asked that the chancellors continue to work together and with
the president on the task of figuring out what the university will look like in the
future.
Hughes said that there is still incredible uncertainty not just due to the reduction
in state funding, but also scholarships: "Not only is our house on fire, but gasoline
is being poured on the fire."
Gov. Mike Dunleavy talked with the regents by phone and said that his office has been,
and will be, fully prepared to continue to work with the university “to lower its
overhead and improve its outcomes.”
“I hope we can come to an understanding on how we can become one of the best universities
in the country,” he said. “We stand ready to work with the university.”
Mike Barnhill, policy director of the Office of Management and Budget, presented a
step-down proposal based on reducing administrative cost drivers. “It’s incumbent
upon all those who receive state funds to look at new ways of doing things,” he said.
“I believe there are opportunities to look for funds elsewhere and I welcome the opportunity
for further discussion with the board.”
Regents questioned Barnhill on the proposal and expressed concern about its deletion
of the research budget and state funds for the Museum of the North.
“I am troubled by the reckless suggestion we zero our research funding,” said Board
Chair John Davies. “Even if that was an achievable goal, we certainly cannot get there
in five years. We are not going to hold bake sales to operate the Sikuliaq.”
Davies announced the formation of a subcommittee on restructuring UA that would act
as a sounding board for the president moving forward with the development of restructuring
options. The committee will be chaired by Hughes with members comprised of Regents
Karen Perdue, John Bania, Andy Teuber, Cachet Garrett and Dale Anderson.
Johnsen said the next steps include a round of meetings with faculty, staff, students
and community members throughout August.
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 8-year term,
with the exception of the student regent who is nominated from his/her campus and
serves a 2-year term.
The Board was established through the Alaska Constitution and is responsible for University
of Alaska policy and management through the University President.
–30–
For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs
at 907-360-2416 (cell).