UAA is excited to welcome four distinguished leaders to key positions across its campuses. Bringing a rich blend of higher education leadership, deep research experience and proven dedication to student success, these dynamic individuals — spanning business, student affairs, social policy and community campus administration — will play a vital role in guiding UAA’s mission, driving strategic growth and serving communities across Alaska. Meet the newest leaders shaping the future of UAA:

Pete Sherman
College of Business and Public Policy dean

On July 12, Pete Sherman, Ph.D., joined the College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) as its newest dean. 

With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Sherman brings a fresh perspective to CBPP and UAA. He comes to Alaska from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he was dean of business, analytics and communications. He previously served as dean of Western Colorado University's School of Business and University of Evansville's Schroeder Business School. Prior to his time in higher education, he worked in the financial industry at TD Ameritrade and Chase.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D. of entrepreneurship, strategy), Creighton University (M.B.A.) and the University of Kansas (B.A. in economics), Dr. Sherman’s education makes him uniquely qualified to guide the students of CBPP into the Alaska workforce. 

“One of the things that drew me to UAA is how connected it is to Alaska and the Anchorage community,” said Dr. Sherman. “Our students come here to build careers and lives in Alaska, and CBPP has a real opportunity to help them do that. Serving as dean at a university that plays such an important role in workforce development across the state is something I take very seriously and is an opportunity that I truly value.”

Ian Hartman
Institute of Social and Economic Research director

On July 20, Ian Hartman, Ph.D., began his new role as director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at UAA. Dr. Hartman offers expertise and experience in both research and leadership to this role. Joining UAA’s Department of History in 2011, he brings a comprehensive understanding of the institution, having worked as a classroom instructor and, more recently, in administrative roles within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

A historian by training, Dr. Hartman earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His teaching has focused on the political and cultural history of the United States, while his research has covered race, power and politics in Alaska, the American West and the nation. 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hartman has authored, co-authored and edited five books in addition to many scholarly publications. He has collaborated extensively with the Anchorage Museum, most recently as a guest curator of the exhibit, “Cold War to the Cosmos: Distant Early Warning Systems and the Arctic.”

In addition to his most recent role as associate dean of faculty in CAS, Dr. Hartman chaired the Department of History from 2020-24, served as Faculty Senate president from 2022-23 and is chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and facilitated an innovative dual enrollment partnership with South Anchorage High School’s Civic Leadership Program. He was also a Leadership in the Humanities Fellow with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education from 2023-25.

“Becoming ISER's new director is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility,” said Dr. Hartman. “ISER has a long history of helping Alaskans better understand the challenges and opportunities facing our state, and that mission is as important today as ever. We have an extraordinary team of researchers asking critical questions and producing work that informs public discussion and decision-making across Alaska. My goal is to help our researchers thrive, strengthen ISER's connections across the state and ensure we continue providing rigorous, independent research that helps Alaska navigate the future.”

Karen Davis O’Hara
Kenai Peninsula College director

On Aug. 3, Karen Davis O’Hara, Ph.D., joined Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) as its new director. Dr. O’Hara was born and raised in Alaska, graduating from Soldotna High School (SoHi) before attending the University of California, Davis, where she completed her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in human development. 

Dr. O’Hara worked at California State University, Sacramento for 22 years, where she specialized in teaching and research on children’s emotional development and its relation to psychobiology. She held the positions of professor, department chair and associate dean of instruction and student success for the College of Education. Dr. O’Hara then became executive dean of Sierra College – Nevada County Campus in Grass Valley, California. As executive dean, she fostered relationships throughout the local community and increased student enrollment. 

"When I graduated from SoHi in the late ‘80s, I never dreamed that I'd be back home serving as the director of KPC!” said Dr. O’Hara. “I'm so excited that my career path in higher education has led me to this position, and I am so excited to serve the students and industries in the community where I grew up."

Chuck Knepfle
Vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

On Sept. 6, Chuck Knepfle, Ph.D., will join UAA as the next vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, bringing to the university over 25 years of higher education leadership experience in enrollment management, financial aid, student success and strategic planning. In this role, Dr. Knepfle will serve all UAA campuses and community locations, helping lead efforts that support students from recruitment through graduation.

Dr. Knepfle most recently served as vice president for enrollment management at Portland State University. Prior to Portland State, he served as assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of financial aid at Clemson University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Knepfle has become nationally recognized for his expertise in enrollment management, financial aid policy and student success, serving in leadership roles with organizations such as AACRAO, NASFAA, the Higher Education Loan Coalition and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Dr. Knepfle holds a B.S. in systems analysis and M.B.A. from Miami University, as well as a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Clemson University. His research, teaching and service have focused on strategic enrollment management, college affordability, student access and higher education policy.

"I've spent my career believing that higher education should be within reach for every student who seeks it, regardless of background, zip code or financial circumstance. Higher education changes lives, but only if it's truly accessible. UAA understands that, and it's reflected in the university's deep commitment to serving students from every corner of this state,” said Dr. Knepfle. “I'm looking forward to working alongside this community to remove barriers, expand affordability and build support structures that help students thrive. Together, we can create even more opportunities for Alaskans to pursue their goals, realize their potential and build brighter futures.”