UA Regents Appoint Pat Pitney as President
Pat Pitney can take the ‘interim’ from her title. The University of Alaska Board of Regents voted at its February 25 meeting to appoint Pitney as the UA System’s seventeenth president. The decision was unanimous, highlighting the board’s recognition of Pitney’s leadership and contribution to the UA System.
“This is a time for forward momentum and to celebrate our successes, and I’ll note that President Pitney is the first woman to hold the position in the university’s 100-year history. Congratulations, Pat,” says Sheri Buretta, chair of the Board of Regents.
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January 2026
Pitney, who won a gold medal in women’s air rifle at the 1984 Olympic Summer Games, has held administrative positions with the UA System for twenty-three years. From 2014-2018, she was director of the Office of Management and Budget for the Walker administration. She became interim UA president in 2020, succeeding Michelle Rizk, who had stepped in for a couple of months after the resignation of Jim Johnsen.
“Thank you for the confidence in me,” Pitney told Regents. “I am truly honored and humbled to lead this great university system. I am dedicated to continuing to build a strong team with shared governance, with our staff, and with each of our universities. I’m excited about our future.”
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!