March 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2024

University of Alaska President Pitney to Deliver 2024 “State of the University” Address

Monday Anchorage Chamber speech will highlight how ��ū�컨�� empowers Alaska’s workforce pipeline

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) - University of Alaska President Pat Pitney will deliver this year’s “State of the University” Address on Monday, March 11 at the Anchorage Chamber’s weekly “Make-it-Monday” forum. The address will focus on how the University empowers Alaska’s workforce pipeline, and will highlight excellence across the ��ū�컨�� System. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for the in-person event at the Dena’ina Center, and the program begins at 12 p.m. Tickets for the forum can be purchased at .

“Alaska’s success and future growth are inextricably tied to the University System,” President Pitney said previewing her remarks. “Continued fiscal stability has allowed us to make progress and grow enrollment - up more than 4% this year - bucking the national trend. I’m grateful to the Anchorage Chamber for the opportunity to share the progress ��ū�컨�� has made over the last year, and the exciting opportunities on the horizon.”

In addition to highlighting how ��ū�컨��’s programs and community connections help meet Alaska’s workforce needs, President Pitney will also spotlight stories that exemplify how the university meets people where they are, and provides broad opportunities for success. ��ū�컨��’s universities and community campuses house programs ranging from high-school dual enrollment opportunities and certificates all the way up to Ph.Ds.

“The University of Alaska system is vital to a successful business climate in Anchorage and across the state,” Anchorage Chamber President & CEO Kathleen McArdle said. “The importance of access to high-quality local higher education is crucial to developing Alaska's talent and economic prosperity. The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is honored to host President Pitney's 2024 address, and is looking forward to continued collaboration benefiting both students and employers.”

“Our people continue to cultivate and maintain partnerships across the state to advance opportunities for students,” President Pitney said. “Our broad program offerings and degree pathways at every campus give students robust opportunities for success, both in college, and in Alaska’s workforce. At every level, the University of Alaska is a critical contributor to Alaska and Alaska’s future.

Tickets for in-person seating are available . This will be Pitney’s fourth State of the University address since being appointed interim president in 2020 and her third as the university system’s 17th president.

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 ��ū�컨�� system’s three universities (, , and ) are separately accredited institutions with 13 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 jonathon.taylor@alaska.edu.