Chancellor's Farewell Message

Dear UAA Community,

As I prepare to leave my role as UAA chancellor, I wanted to send a note of thanks to you and the larger UAA community. It has been my honor to lead this extraordinary university for the past four years. Transitions provide a time to reflect on our work together and look toward the future.

When I became chancellor, I was struck by the amazing work being done across our university - the high-quality teaching and research of our faculty, the dedication of our staff and the spirit and accomplishments of our students. As I prepare to depart, I am more optimistic than ever for the future of UAA.

Our achievements these past four years have been accomplished together and deserve shared celebration across our UAA community. Together, we brought our university through the COVID-19 pandemic. We rebuilt public and private support for the university after years of disinvestment. We grew enrollment and opportunities for students at UAA. We positioned our university as essential to our communities, employers and quality of life. We did all of this together!

Our university will continue as a place where lives are transformed through education, research and service. UAA is a place where people grow, learn and create a path for themselves. Our dual mission allows us to meet students where they are in their personal and professional journey. UAA provides pathways to impactful lives and careers through high-quality, affordable and flexible educational programs. Thank you for making this possible!

Serving as your chancellor was an unexpected honor at the culmination of my career. Because of you, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my public life. UAA is a wonderful institution with great people. Thank you for allowing me to work alongside you in advancing UAA's mission on behalf of our students, our communities and our state.

All the best,

Sean Parnell
UAA Chancellor