Pat Pitney

The 17th president of the University of Alaska System. UAF alum. Parent to 3 UA grads. Olympic gold medalist. Staff help manage account.

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

In May 2026, I'll be retiring from @UA_System. As an alum and the parent of alums from @uaanchorage, @uafairbanks, and @uasoutheast, it’s been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve our community and the people of Alaska. https://t.co/F4fTvkjg4H

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Looking forward to sharing with @alaskachamber the 2025 State of the University this week. @UA_System is vital to Alaska's future, helping retain our best & brightest, grow the state’s population as a beacon of opportunity for those outside, and empower AK's workforce & economy.

[University of Alaska @UA_System]

2025 State of the University Address
📅 Jan. 30, 2025, at noon
📍 Alaska Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In Luncheon, Juneau

President Pitney will discuss UA’s role in empowering Alaska’s workforce, strengthening communities, and advancing innovation.

Watch: https://t.co/04TwpbNjZ2

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Paul has been a steady hand and support for the
@UA_System during his time as VP, & I’m grateful for his counsel and commitment to UA. On behalf of the Board and the entire UA community, I wish him all the best in retirement. We will dearly miss him. (3/3)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

As @UA_System begins the semester, we’re celebrating the end of a remarkable professional career. Paul Layer officially retired this week after 36 years of service to UA—from assistant professor in geophysics to VP for Academics, Students, & Research for the last 7 years (1/3).

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

During his retirement party, we heard from many of his colleagues, friends, and mentors over the years about his exceptional character, commitment to students, and fun-loving attitude. His legacy at both @UA_System and @uafairbanks is remarkable. (2/3)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

During Paul's time as VP, he's been a steady hand & support for our system; I’m grateful for his counsel and long-time commitment to UA. On behalf of the Board & UA community, I wish him all the best as he enters retirement & takes on new endeavors. We will dearly miss him. (4/4)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

I'm pleased to announce that I've selected Dr. Brian Smentkowksi as the @ua_system's next vice president and chief academic officer (VP/CAO). His first day will be February 3, 2025. (1/4) https://t.co/sFUOvicqg1

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Brian's decades of experience in faculty and academic development will be a great asset to our University system, and I’m confident he’s the right person for the job. Please join me in welcoming him to Alaska and the UA Community. (3/4)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

It will also provide ongoing education for those in the industry who want to advance in their careers. We are grateful for this partnership with @AGCAlaska , and to have industry alongside us as we Empower Alaska. I extend my deepest thanks to AGC for their generosity & support!

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Last week, I was honored to accept a $200,000 gift to the @UA_System from @AGCAlaska in support of our Construction Management Workforce Initiative. This gift will aid the university’s work to equip students with the relevant skills they need to enter the workforce. (1/2)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Especially grateful today for those who’ve served our nation. @uaanchorage, @uafairbanks, and @uasoutheast have all received military-friendly school designations over the years, and we’re also proud to employ veterans across the @UA_System. #VeteransDay

[University of Alaska @UA_System]

Did you know Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) started in a high school closet 60 years ago and now serves over 2,500 students across Alaska? 🎉

Here’s to 60 more years of workforce development and community impact! #UniversityofAlaska

Learn more:
https://t.co/H4YYuDafgZ

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Alaska’s Indigenous people & communities have thrived on the lands upon which our universities, campuses, & research sites reside since time immemorial. We recognize the ancestral heritage of these lands, & the Indigenous wisdom, beauty, & accomplishments throughout AK's history.

[University of Alaska @UA_System]

Today, UA honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Attend one of these events to celebrate together.

UAF: https://t.co/bq11Zzacd2.
UAA: https://t.co/bKQwAKY14s
UAS: https://t.co/pfMDnRiRKg
UAS Ketchikan Campus: https://t.co/Fk1Q7Uej9m
UAS Sitka Campus: https://t.co/IGQppKczb5

[Sen. Lisa Murkowski @lisamurkowski]

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Sfraga, the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs! He will bring to the position a clear-eyed view about the strategic realities of the Arctic, & help position the U.S. to lead in the region while protecting our national security interests. Between his decades of experience in the region, deep policy expertise, & strong relationships with Arctic leaders, there is no one better suited to be the first person in this role.

[University of Alaska @UA_System]

UA’s construction workforce initiative is preparing students to meet Alaska’s growing infrastructure needs through 46 specialized programs. Learn how these efforts are shaping the future. 👇

@uasoutheast @uaanchorage @uafairbanks

https://t.co/X5ySFLM3gq

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Now, he's undertaking another climb - this time to the heights of Arctic diplomacy. I can’t think of a better person for the job, and I’m thrilled to see the work he’ll do for our state and nation. Congratulations, Mike! (3/3)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

Congratulations to Mike Sfraga on his confirmation as the United States’ first Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs today! Mike earned his Ph.D. from @uafairbanks, and we served side by side for many years at @ua_system. (1/3)

[Pat Pitney @UAlaskaPres]

In his more formative days, Mike climbed Denali, and authored a book about Bradford Washburn, the man responsible for the defining photography of that mountain. (2/3)

[OARC_Alaska @OARC_Alaska]

The Arctic Collaborative Ecosystem Cruise aboard @sikuliaq has begun! 🌊🚢#SKQ202412s

This research cruise is led by the @NOAA #ArcticResearchProgram and includes many partners!
#WorkingTogetherWednesday