May 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 7, 2025

University of èƵ launches nationwide search for next UAA chancellor

New leader sought to guide èƵ’s largest èƵ into the future.

(ANCHORAGE) — University of èƵ (UA) President Pat Pitney announced today the launch of a national search for the  of the University of èƵ Anchorage (UAA), the largest institution in the UA system.

The chancellor serves as UAA’s chief executive, overseeing all campus operations and academic programs, and reports to the UA system president and Board of Regents. The new leader will succeed Chancellor Sean Parnell, who is  in May after four years of service to UAA and a distinguished career in public service. Cheryl Siemers, director of UAA’s Kenai Peninsula College (KPC),  as interim chancellor during the transition. A complete position profile and description are available online at .

“UA empowers our state’s workforce, economy and future, and UAA is a cornerstone of that mission, serving as a hub for innovation and opportunity.” President Pitney said. “We are seeking a visionary leader with strong management skills, a record of collaboration and a deep commitment to student and community success. While post-secondary education experience is valued, we also welcome candidates from industry, government, nonprofits and other sectors.”

As èƵ's dual-mission èƵ, UAA is a comprehensive, open-access, public institution offering everything from short-term workforce credentials to graduate programs. UAA invites students to define their journey, create their community and prepare to make an impact in èƵ and beyond. Striving to be a place where every person who wants an education can be successful, UAA transforms the lives of its students and communities, while honoring our locations on the ancestral lands of èƵ’s First Peoples.

The next chancellor will advance UAA’s 2027 Strategic Plan while shaping a long-term vision rooted in teaching, research and public service. Responsibilities include:

  • Leading internal operations, including academics, research, outreach and campus safety;

  • Building a culture of collaboration and measurable success among faculty, staff and students; and,

  • Representing UAA across èƵ and nationally, and growing philanthropic and research partnerships.

A search committee will vet the candidates and make finalist recommendations to President Pitney. The committee is co-chaired by UAA Faculty Senate President Dr. Jackie Cason and Chugach èƵ Corporation Board Chair and former UA Regent and Board Chair Sheri Buretta; the full roster of committee members is available .

Application Process

A full position profile and description are available . Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, letter of interest, and contact information of three (3) professional references. The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis on June 6, 2025.

Chancellor Parnell, a former èƵ governor and lifelong public servant, was appointed by President Pitney to lead UAA in 2021. His mother was an educator, and his long-time passion for education and èƵ’s public universities made him an excellent choice to lead èƵ’s largest èƵ. His tenure saw growth in enrollment, enhanced transparency and stronger connections between the èƵ and its communities. He leaves UAA well-positioned for continued success.

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For more information, contact Tanya Pont, UAA executive director of advancement at (907) 764-2881, or via email at tmpont@alaska.edu.