Dear UAA Community,

Earlier this November, UAA had the privilege of hosting the University of Alaska Board of Regents quarterly meeting on our Anchorage campus. This was a valuable opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty and staff, and to share UAA’s bold vision for the future. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this meeting a success.

UAA Deep Dive: Our Dual Mission Driving Alaska’s Economy

During the meeting, we presented UAA’s “Deep Dive,” embracing our role as Alaska’s dual mission university, committed to access and excellence, workforce development and research. We highlighted how UAA meets learners where they are through stackable credentials and flexible pathways, whether in Anchorage, Soldotna, Homer, Kodiak, Valdez, Mat-Su or online. Our campuses are hubs of opportunity, powered by partnerships with industry and communities.

I emphasized UAA’s leadership in workforce development and shared strategic growth in high-demand fields. One great example was the expansion of Sally Monserud Hall, which demonstrates our role as Alaska's designated health university. UAA graduates 650 health care professionals annually, and we are expanding programs such as nursing assistants and surgical technologists to meet Alaska’s workforce needs. 

As our enrollment continues to grow, we discussed the importance of creating vibrant spaces for living, learning and community connection. We shared how UAA is building community. New housing, recreation spaces and gathering places strengthen student success and retention, and this growth requires continued investment in infrastructure. The proof is in the data: students living on campus persist and retain at higher rates. Continued investment fuels momentum that matters.

The Deep Dive reaffirmed our commitment to sticking the landing and delivering on our promise: a university that attracts talent, keeps graduates here and drives economic growth. Enrollment is rising, our financial foundation is stronger and alumni are shaping Alaska’s economy. Faculty innovation and student success are creating a pathway for those who want to stay, work and thrive.

UA Housing Plan

The UA Board of Regents endorsed a housing plan to provide additional on-campus housing for UAA, UAF and UAS through state funding and university-issued bonds. With this endorsement, this initiative moves into active planning and design.

UA Tuition Increase

The UA Board of Regents also approved a 4% systemwide tuition increase for Fall 2026, up from the originally proposed 3%. The additional 1% was proposed to help fund expanded mental-health services across the UA system.

Please take a moment to read more about the BOR meeting agenda and presentation materials.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are building a university that serves Alaska today and shapes its future tomorrow. We are UAA, Alaska’s dual mission university and, together, we will stick the landing for our students, our communities and our state.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Siemers 
UAA Interim Chancellor

November Archive