UAA chancellor honored during MSC commencement

During the commencement ceremony for the Mat-Su College (MSC) Class of 2025 on May 9, the college, and Alaska Senator Shelly Hughes, took a moment to honor Chancellor Sean Parnell, chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), who is retiring this year after serving in the role since his appointment in 2021.

“A leader whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, stewardship, and selflessness,” said MSC Director Dr. Marie Gardner of Parnell. “Sean Parnell has understood that true leadership is not about holding on to the baton, but preparing the next runner for success.”

Dr. Gardner recalled an example of his foresight and leadership as the very theater students, faculty, and families were celebrating the graduations that day. “This is our 10th year anniversary for the Glenn Massay Theater. Chancellor Parnell was serving as Governor of Alaska when the Alaska first started discussing the idea of a theater to help meet the needs of the Valley.” She told the audience that Parnell’s support was instrumental in creating the theater, which is widely used for the arts and for learning.

She said that Parnell has been working since becoming chancellor to make college more accessible and crafting a university that belongs to all Alaskans, helping navigate budget battles, keeping education going through the pandemic.

“His mark on our university and this state will be felt for a long while,” Dr. Gardner said.

Alaska State Senator Shelly Hughes made a surprise visit to present the retiring chancellor with a citation honoring his work for the state.

Hughes recalled that Parnell stepped up to serve the state of Alaska 33 years ago, serving in the House of Representatives, then the Senate before becoming Lieutenant Governor and then serving as the 10th Governor of the State of Alaska from 2009-2014.

“We are grateful in the Alaska State Legislature, and I stand here before you on behalf of the House and Senate of the Alaska State Legislature

“We really appreciate this man. He’s been an influential leader,” Hughes told the audience, praising the work he did while in the legislature, specifically the ‘Choose Respect’ campaign to address domestic violence, and perhaps the one most connected to students attending college, his work starting the Alaska Performance Scholarship program

“We are very grateful to you, Chancellor. We appreciate that you have led with such dignity and high character,” Hughes said.

“This is such an achievement in your lives,” Parnell told the graduates, commending them for rising to the challenge of not only attaining a degree, but for many it was done while raising families, working a job or sometimes two. “Celebrate the opportunities that lie ahead, the chance for you to pursue your goals and to create a brighter future here in Alaska.”

In one last act from Parnell as he prepares to leave the role of chancellor, he returned a signed pen and ink drawing from artist Fred Machentaz to the college, one that had been enjoyed by chancellors since it had been donated to UAA in 1981. “I am pleased to bring it back to its proper home here in the Mat-Su Valley.”

During his time as Chancellor, Parnell has pursued key initiatives focusing on college affordability, student success, and positioning UAA as a trusted community partner. The Chancellor also worked to advance UAA’s role as Alaska’s largest workforce provider, and as the flagship university for Health and Arctic Public Policy.