Spring 2026 Meritorious Service Award: Mary K. Hughes

Mary K. Hughes is one of Alaska's most influential advocates for higher education, public service and civic leadership. Her decades of service to UAA and the broader University of Alaska (UA) system have made a lasting mark on generations of students, faculty and leaders throughout the state.

Hughes graduated from UA at College, Alaska, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management in 1971, later earning her Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law in 1974. Her educational foundation launched a distinguished legal and civic career that has spanned both public and private sectors. She served as a partner and of counsel with the law firm Hughes, Thorsness, Gantz, Powell and Brundin, bringing her legal and strategic expertise to key government roles, including Alaska State Director for U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski's office and the Anchorage Municipal Attorney.

Hughes holds the distinction of being the second longest-serving member of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, first appointed in 2002 by Gov. Tony Knowles. For nearly 23 years and three full terms, she became known for her professionalism, keen governance insight and trademark sense of humor. Her commitment to education spans roles on the board of directors for the University of Alaska Foundation (of which her father, John C. Hughes, was a founding member), as a trustee and Life Trustee Emerita for Willamette University and through her nine-year board membership on the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

Beyond her professional accolades, Hughes' enduring legacy is defined by an extraordinary record of community service. Her leadership has shaped countless institutions, including the Alaska Bar Association, Alaska Bar Foundation, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Providence Alaska Foundation, Alaska Humanities Forum and advisory councils for both Alaska Airlines and TOTE Maritime. Her influence and advocacy have fortified the philanthropic and educational landscapes of the state. As the leader of the John C. Hughes Foundation, she continues to encourage generous philanthropy through challenge grants and strong support of higher education for future generations.

Hughes' contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors that reflect her steadfast commitment to excellence. Her legacy is further enriched by her devotion to her family including her spouse Andrew Eker, three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whose lives reflect the same values of service, leadership and generosity.

More than a leader, Mary K. Hughes is a pillar of Alaska's educational and civic progress, and a true champion for future
generations.