University of Alaska President Pitney to Deliver 2026 “State of the University” Address

March 18, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2025

University of Alaska President Pitney to Deliver 2026 "State of the University" Address

Thursday speech to Fairbanks Rotary will highlight accomplishments over the past 6 years in enrollment, research, reputation and student success

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) - University of Alaska President Pat Pitney will deliver this year's "State of the University" Address on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Fairbanks Rotary Luncheon. President Pitney will share updates on UA's key accomplishments under her tenure including its role as an economic driver, and in strengthening communities and advancing innovation.

"Over the last 6 years, UA has made significant progress, growing enrollment for the first time in a decade, stabilizing its budget, and rebuilding Alaskans' trust in their public university system," President Pitney said, previewing her remarks. "The University of Alaska has a bright future on the horizon. Our research and educational programs are more important than ever as the state stands on the precipice of new outside investment and interest. The progress and investment on recruitment, retention and graduation is already bearing fruit, and will continue to for years to come."

The in-person event will be held at the Westmark Hotel ballroom as part of the Fairbanks Rotary Luncheon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at 12 p.m. and the president's remarks will begin after opening comments and Rotary business starting at approximately 12:20 and will last for 25-30 minutes. There will be an opportunity for questions following her remarks as time allows.

"As America's Arctic University, UA is uniquely positioned to continue to lead in Arctic research and resilience studies," President Pitney added. "Our institutions help strengthen Indigenous communities and cultures, reinforce national security and strategic planning, and build the workforce critical to growing Alaska's infrastructure and economy."

This will be Pitney's sixth and final State of the University address since being appointed interim president in 2020 and her fifth as the university system's 17th president. Pitney announced that she will retire in May.

The University of Alaska inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples. The UA system's three universities (UAA, UAF, and UAS) are separately accredited institutions with community campuses and extended learning centers across the state of Alaska.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell), or via email at [email protected].