May 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2023

University of Alaska Board of Regents set to build on a year of progress, growth across University System

(ANCHORAGE, AK) - Thanks to a foundation of growing enrollment, community engagement, and fiscal stability, the University of Alaska (UA) is well-positioned going into Academic Year 2024. This Friday, the UA Board of Regents will meet in Fairbanks to hear updates on how UA empowers Alaska through workforce development and improved career pathways, and will review planning guidance for AY25 and beyond.

“Over the last academic year, UA has stabilized and seen positive progress in enrollment and student opportunity,” UA President Pat Pitney said. “Our preparation and planning for fall semester and beyond will build on that foundation, and keep UA moving forward as an engine that empowers Alaska.”

The Board will accept the recently passed FY24 Operating and Capital Budgets. Regents will also discuss guidance for the FY25 budget focused on three key areas: increasing enrollment through retention in degree programs for Alaska’s workforce, deferred maintenance and renewal funding strategy, and maintaining responsible financial stewardship. Regents will also review the latest reports on Workforce Development.

“Having recently attended several commencement ceremonies across the system, I’m reminded that UA graduates’ impact on Alaska’s workforce and economy can’t be understated,” President Pitney remarked. “Since 2011, more than 26,000 students have graduated from programs relevant to Alaska’s high-demand industries. Not only are 75% of them still working in Alaska today, they also see higher-than-average wages, allowing them to build strong livelihoods for themselves and their families.”

The Alaska Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems Integration (ACUASI) will present progress on new research and funding opportunities, and the Board will also recognize retiring UAS Chancellor Karen Carey and outgoing Student Regent Kali Spencer.

During Thursday committee meetings, the Facilities & Land Management Committee (8:00 a.m.) will take an in-depth look at the university’s outstanding deferred maintenance. The Audit and Finance Committee (11:00 a.m.) will receive a detailed financial briefing, and the Academic & Student Affairs Committee (2:30 p.m.) will review the latest enrollment reports.

The full board meeting is Friday, May 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Butrovich Building, room 109 on the UAF Troth Yeddha’ campus; the agenda is available online.

All meetings, except any executive sessions, are public and will be livestreamed. 

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 eight-year term, with the exception of the student regent who serves a two-year term. The Board was established through the Alaska Constitution and is responsible for University of Alaska policy and management through the university president.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell).