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UAA Interim Chancellor appointed

May 2, 2025

University of ÐßÐßÊÓƵPresident Pat Pitney has appointed Cheryl Siemers as interim chancellor of the University of ÐßÐßÊÓƵAnchorage, effective May 17. Siemers currently serves as director of UAA’s Kenai Peninsula College.

Siemers brings more than two decades of experience at UAA, having joined Kenai Peninsula College in 2002. She has served as adjunct and full-time faculty, assistant director, and director. She previously held leadership roles at ÐßÐßÊÓƵChristian College, including director of advancement and academic dean. A UAA alumna, she earned her M.A. in English before completing a Ph.D. in rhetoric and linguistics from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Her experience leading enrollment growth at KPC, commitment to community engagement, and emphasis on place-based learning and Indigenous knowledge systems were cited as strong qualifications for the interim chancellor role. She will work alongside current Chancellor Sean Parnell during the leadership transition.

A search is currently underway for an interim director of Kenai Peninsula College.

Permanent chancellor search committee named

President Pitney also announced the formation of the search committee tasked with identifying UAA’s next permanent chancellor. The committee includes student, faculty, staff and community representation and will be co-chaired by UAA Faculty Senate President Dr. Jackie Cason and Chugach ÐßÐßÊÓƵCorporation Board Chair and former UA Regent Sheri Buretta.

Committee members:

  • Eisa Chang – USUAA president and UAA student

  • Brandon McKinney – UAA Staff Council co-president

  • Dr. Marie Garner – Mat-Su College director

  • Dr. Carrie King – UAA faculty

  • Dr. Kevin Berry – UAA faculty

  • Dr. Alex Hills – Distinguished service professor, former UAA faculty

  • Ella Goss – CEO, Providence ÐßÐßÊÓƵMedical Center

  • Scott Habberstad – ÐßÐßÊÓƵAirlines managing director, ÐßÐßÊÓƵmarket

  • Chris King – Vice president of operations, AVIS Alaska

A national recruitment process will begin soon, with additional details forthcoming. The university has committed to a transparent search and encourages the UAA community to remain engaged throughout the process.