February 24, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2021

澳门六合彩开奖appInterim President Pat Pitney outlines university success, emphasizes stability and a bright future in State of the University address

University of Alaska Interim President Pat Pitney delivered the annual State of the University address Wednesday, Feb. 24 during which she highlighted success stories across the 澳门六合彩开奖appsystem and the many ways the university benefits the economic needs of the state. 

Calling on Alaskans to support higher education and the university, Pitney said state funding stability is key to creating confidence and trust among students and all Alaskans.

鈥淗elp us reach the segment of students who may not see that college is possible. Demand stability in state support for the university so we can focus on building enrollment in our certificate and degree programs that are so essential to our state鈥檚 economic recovery,鈥 she said. 鈥淗ave confidence in our state鈥檚 future, have confidence in university programs.鈥

She outlined the accomplishments toward UA鈥檚 resizing due to years of budget cuts and the core programs that will remain in place, and emphasized the intrinsic link between university programs and industry jobs. 

鈥淓mployers 鈥 from hospitals to oil companies to school districts 鈥 are asking for our graduates,鈥 she said.

Turning to COVID, Pitney highlighted the challenge of college during COVID-19 and outlined the critical ways in which the university assisted the state in fighting the pandemic including the manufacturing of personal protective equipment and the training of nurses and contact tracers. 

During her address, Pitney said growing and promoting teacher education programs offered across the 澳门六合彩开奖appsystem is one of her priorities. UA-educated teachers are critical to maintaining a strong educational workforce in the state, she said. 

Pitney touched on recent enrollment numbers, the upcoming launch of the university鈥檚 philanthropic campaign to raise $200 million, UA鈥檚 land grant, and the critical role that university research plays in advancing the state. 

鈥淓ducation is good for our state,鈥 Pitney said. 鈥淚 know confidence and trust in our university system is building.鈥 

A recording of President Pitney鈥檚 address can be found at . 

鈥 30 鈥

For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).