March 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2024 

探花精选 President Pitney to Deliver 2024 鈥淪tate of the University鈥 Address

Monday Anchorage Chamber speech will highlight how UA empowers Alaska鈥檚 workforce pipeline

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) - 探花精选 President Pat Pitney will deliver this year鈥檚 鈥淪tate of the University鈥 Address on Monday, March 11 at the Anchorage Chamber鈥檚 weekly 鈥淢ake-it-Monday鈥 forum. The address will focus on how the University empowers Alaska鈥檚 workforce pipeline, and will highlight excellence across the 探花精选. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for the in-person event at the Dena鈥檌na Center, and the program begins at 12 p.m. Tickets for the forum can be purchased at .

鈥淎laska鈥檚 success and future growth are inextricably tied to the University System,鈥 President Pitney said previewing her remarks. 鈥淐ontinued fiscal stability has allowed us to make progress and grow enrollment - up more than 4% this year - bucking the national trend. I鈥檓 grateful to the Anchorage Chamber for the opportunity to share the progress UA has made over the last year, and the exciting opportunities on the horizon.鈥

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

鈥淭he 探花精选 is vital to a successful business climate in Anchorage and across the state,鈥 Anchorage Chamber President & CEO Kathleen McArdle said. 鈥淭he 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.鈥

鈥淥ur people continue to cultivate and maintain partnerships across the state to advance opportunities for students,鈥 President Pitney said. 鈥淥ur broad program offerings and degree pathways at every campus give students robust opportunities for success, both in college, and in Alaska鈥檚 workforce. At every level, the 探花精选 is a critical contributor to Alaska and Alaska鈥檚 future.

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

The 探花精选 inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples. The UA system鈥檚 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.