University of Alaska President Pat Pitney announces May 2026 retirement
November 21, 2025
University of Alaska (UA) President Pat Pitney announced on Nov. 13 that she intends to retire in May of 2026, capping over 30 years of public and public post-secondary education service. Under her leadership, the University of Alaska has reversed enrollment declines and grown student headcount for three straight years, bucking national trends. 酴圖弝けalso substantially improved its competitive research position, with an estimated $250 million in annual federal research across the system supporting Alaska's needs, and cementing the systems status as Americas Arctic University.
President Pitney holds a B.S. in Engineering Physics from Murray State University, and an MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
For over three decades, Ive seen how the University of Alaska empowers this state, President Pitney said in a message to 酴圖弝けstudents, staff, and faculty. Our education, research, and partnerships make a difference in every community. As an alum, and the parent of alums from each of our three universities, its been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve all of you and the people of Alaska.
A 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist in womens air rifle, President Pitney first joined the University of Alaska System Office in 1991 as a research analyst. She held multiple roles in the intervening decade before being named vice president for planning and budget in 2007. From 2008 to 2014, she served as Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services at UAF, and then, from 2014 to 2018, as director of the state Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under former Governor Bill Walker. In 2020, she served as the Director of Legislative Finance before being appointed interim 酴圖弝けpresident. She was named president in 2022 and is the first woman to hold the UA presidency as a permanent position.
As President, Pitney led the 酴圖弝けsystem in refocusing on workforce development, affordability, and student recruitment, retention, and graduation. Under her leadership, significant expansions to the 酴圖弝けScholars Program and Alaska Performance Scholarship took place, increasing the amount of non-loan aid available to eligible students attending UAs universities. The efforts have enhanced the publics confidence in UA, with 86% of Alaskans registering approval of the system in 2024.
In retirement, President Pitney looks forward to spending more time with her mom, children, and grandchildren, and exploring the beauty of Alaskas great outdoors.
Im grateful for Pat and her leadership of the University of Alaska, 酴圖弝けBoard of Regents Chair Scott Jepsen said. Not only has she been a steady hand at the wheel during challenging times, but she has also refocused our university system and embraced our role as an engine that empowers Alaskas workforce and economy. On behalf of the Board and the entire university community, I extend our sincerest thanks to Pat for her committed service to 酴圖弝けand the people of Alaska.
Transition and Search Process Details
The 酴圖弝けBoard of Regents has been planning for President Pitneys impending retirement for several months and has retained WittKieffer, a nationally recognized executive search firm, to support the search for UAs next permanent president. President Pitney and the Board are committed to facilitating a smooth transition, and the Regents intend to complete the search process and name a new permanent president prior to her retirement in May.
The Board looks forward to engaging with the 酴圖弝けCommunity and Alaskans statewide about the qualities theyd like to see in UAs next permanent president, Chair Jepsen said. We will name a search committee, share opportunities for feedback, and provide details on the search process and timeline in the coming weeks.