University of Alaska Regents approve strategic plan

WASILLA — The University of Alaska Board of Regents recently approved an updated strategic plan for the UA System.

According to a press release, the strategic plan, referred to as the “Roadmap to Empower Alaska," includes previous endeavors that are integrated into a new framework that emphasizes the advancement of the state's economy through education, workforce development, research, and strong partnerships.

UA officials indicated that the board's approval of the strategic plan was made following three semesters of enrollment growth.

“UA has a bright future before it, and I’m pleased to see that demonstrated in the enrollment growth and other progress we’ve seen over the last few semesters,” UA Board Chair Ralph Seekins stated in the press release. “The Roadmap to Empower Alaska and its pillars of financial responsibility and future focus, state and Arctic leadership, and quality education and reputation reflect the Board’s vision for the future of the system. I appreciate the engagement across the system as we’ve finalized the Roadmap, and look forward to seeing its continued implementation.”

According to the press release, some examples of priorities in the strategic plan include: increasing student recruitment, graduation and retention, sustaining Facilities Maintenance and Modernization Plan, achieving cost-efficient operations, and having UAF reaching R1 research status in 2027.

“Approval of the Roadmap to Empower Alaska is a meaningful milestone for UA, and I’m grateful to the Board for their attention and commitment to building a strong future for our University system,” UA President Pat Pitney stated in the press release. “We’ll continue to refine our updates to the Board as we keep moving forward on these goals to Empower Alaska.”

According to the press release, the Facilities and Land Management Committee approved schematic designs for two projects on the main Fairbanks campus: the Troth Yeddha' Indigenous Studies Center (TYISC) and the UA Museum of the North planetarium addition at UAF.

The Indigenous Studies Center is designed to serve as a central gathering place with classes, services, and activities to pay homage to the Alaska Native culture and various contributions across the state.

The press release indicated that the Indigenous Studies Center is one of the top fundraising priorities in the UA System.

The Museum of the North's planetarium addition has been under consideration for the last four decades. The project can move forward thanks to the generosity of a private donor.

UA Regents also received an update on hockey rink public-private partnership (P3) projects in both Anchorage and Fairbanks, and progress on the UA Land Grant initiative.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents is made up of 11 volunteers who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. All members serve eight-year terms except the student regent who serves a two-year term.

The board was established through the Alaska Constitution and the members are responsible for University of Alaska policies and management through the University president.

For more information, visit alaska.edu.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com