The University of Alaska is actively searching for its next president. To kick off this process, it will host listening sessions in Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage this week. These sessions are a chance for students, staff, and community members to share what they want in a new leader.
This search comes after President Pat Pitney announced her retirement this spring. The university has partnered with WittKieffer, an executive search firm, to assist in finding her replacement.
Upcoming Listening Sessions:
In Juneau, sessions will take place on Monday, December 8, at the University of Alaska Southeast in the Glacier View Room. Here’s the schedule:
- UAS Faculty: 9 to 9:50 a.m.
- UAS Staff: 10 to 10:50 a.m.
- UAS Students: 12 to 12:50 p.m.
- Juneau Community: 6 to 7 p.m.
In Fairbanks, listening sessions will occur at Schaible Auditorium:
- Fairbanks Community: December 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- UAF Faculty: December 10, 9 to 9:50 a.m.
- UAF Students: December 10, 10 to 10:50 a.m.
- UAF and UA System Office Staff: December 10, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
In Anchorage, sessions will be held at the University of Alaska Anchorage on Thursday, December 11, in the Engineering and Industry Building Solarium. The schedule is as follows:
- UAA Staff: 9 to 9:50 a.m.
- UAA Students: 10 to 10:50 a.m.
- UAA Faculty: 11 to 11:50 a.m.
- Anchorage Community: 6 to 7 p.m.
Students, faculty, and staff can also join through Zoom. Community members need to attend in person. For those who can’t make it, there’s an anonymous survey available until December 15 at 2 p.m.
The university plans to open recruitment in January, with the goal of hiring a new president by late spring. A 13-member search committee will be responsible for reviewing candidates. This committee includes university regents and local leaders.
According to a survey by the American Council on Education, 80% of university board members emphasize the need for strong leadership, especially in challenging times. As universities adapt to changing landscapes, feedback from stakeholders is crucial to ensure the new president aligns with community and institutional goals.
For more information on the search process, you can check the university’s website.
