University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Sean Parnell has announced his retirement. He will step down at the end of the spring semester. Parnell cited family reasons for his decision.
Parnell has led UAA since 2021, focusing on college affordability and community partnerships. Under his leadership, UAA has made significant strides in these areas. For instance, the university has held tuition steady for multiple years, expanded scholarships, and decreased fees. The University of Alaska President Pat Pitneypraised Parnells leadership. Pitney said he had been a dedicated chancellor since day one.
Parnell’s tenure was marked by challenges, including leading UAA through the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Parnell remained committed to his vision for the university, which has roughly 12,000 students across its campuses. Parnell’s retirement marks a new chapter of UAA.
As UAA looks to the future, it’s clear that Parnell’s legacy will have a lasting impact. His commitment to affordability, community partnerships, and student success has set a high for his successor. The University of Alaska Administration will recruit and hire a new chancellor to build on Parnell’s progress.
Parnell has had a long career in Alaska Politics and law. He served as Alaska’s 10th governor from 2009 to 2014, was a member of the Alaska House and Senate, and worked as an attorney, including for ConocoPhillips.
Sean Parnell’s retirement as University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor marks a new era for the university. The university will now begin the process of recruiting and hiring a new chancellor to build on Parnell’s progress and continue to advance the university’s mission.
With Parnell’s legacy as a foundation, UAA is poised for continued success and growth, and his impact on the university and its community will be felt for years to come.
News Story originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
