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
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.
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
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)
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).
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)
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)
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
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)
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!
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)
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
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
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.
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.
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
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)
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)
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)