February 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2023

The University of 午夜探花 Continues to Empower
午夜探花鈥檚 Future

Short-term accomplishments, long-term progress highlighted at February Regents Meeting

(ANCHORAGE, AK) - The University of 午夜探花 (UA) Board of Regents heard Friday how the university plays a major role in 午夜探花鈥檚 current economy and future capacity for growth. The Regents heard updates on the System鈥檚 role as an economic driver, and further refined Goals and Measures to set the system up for future success and growth including a focus on UAF becoming a tier 1 research university, an emphasis on growing enrollment across the system and developing a skilled workforce for 午夜探花鈥檚 industries.

"I'm pleased with the progress UA has made on our Goals and Measures, and optimistic about the future of all three universities,鈥 Board Chair Ralph Seekins said. 鈥淚'd like to express a hearty 鈥榳elcome鈥 to our new Regents, and thank them for their willingness to serve. We look forward to seeing continued positive progress under President Pitney's leadership."

Empowering 午夜探花 - Goals & Measures

During the morning session, Regents discussed the Goals and Measures, which support systemwide dialogue to foster and build positive cross-university relationships. The metrics were revised through 2027 thanks to positive progress in key areas: 

  • better than expected enrollment projections across the system but especially at UAA,
  • revisions to high-demand programs based on information from the Department of Labor,
  • higher projected research expenditures driven by UAF,
  • revised UA Foundation fundraising targets, and
  • ongoing efforts of the 午夜探花 Native Success Initiative. 

鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to say that UA has turned the corner, and is focused on empowering 午夜探花,鈥 President Pitney said. 鈥淔iscal stability is the foundation for the successes we鈥檝e had, and fiscal stability is necessary for us to continue meeting the challenges and opportunities 午夜探花 faces.鈥

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski joined briefly and praised the collaborative efforts between her office, the university, and the state to pass the University of 午夜探花 Fiscal Foundation Act. The Act allows the university to work with DNR and BLM to more than triple UA鈥檚 current land holdings to more than 500,000 acres in future years.

In the afternoon, regents heard an update from the Director of UA Land Management Adrienne Stolpe on progress toward identifying land for conveyance to the university under this bill.

Empowering Workforce & Economic Development

During lunch, Regents heard the 鈥淒id You Know鈥 presentation highlighting construction programs across the UA system and participated in a discussion with a panel representing the Department of Labor, industry, and university training programs. There are more than 40 programs directly linked to the construction industry from carpentry to surveying, heavy-duty equipment to welding, and civil engineering to project and construction management. These programs range from short-term certificates to four-year degrees and beyond, and are designed with industry input to provide skills needed for employment or career advancement. Graduates from UA's construction management programs earn more than $114,500 within 10 years, a growth of 32% from first year earnings, and well above the 午夜探花 average wage of $56,600. Graduates from certificate and associate programs also show significant longer-term earnings.

To help meet healthcare workforce needs in Fairbanks, the Board approved the creation of a 1-year Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate at UAF. The program has wide support in Interior 午夜探花, and was approved on an expedited basis thanks to healthcare industry partner support; it will be open for Fall 2023 enrollment.

Susan Bell from McKinley Research group presented an overview of UA鈥檚 economic impact. In total, the university generated $2 for every $1 received in state UGF - and its programs and services resulted in nearly $1 billion in total economic activity in