UA Regents Tap Former General Counsel as Next President

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The University of Alaska Board of Regents unanimously chose former general counsel **Sean P. Casey** as the system's next president during a special meeting Friday, filling a vacancy left by Pat Pitney's departure. Casey, who served as general counsel from 2018 to 2024 handling legal affairs across UA's Fairbanks headquarters, Anchorage and Juneau campuses, steps into the $350,000-a-year role effective July 1, 2026. Regents Chair **John Davies** praised Casey's deep knowledge of Alaska's higher education challenges, including chronic state funding shortfalls that have forced $60 million in cuts since 2015.

Pitney, appointed UA's 17th president in February 2022 after serving as interim, steered the system through the COVID-19 recovery and adopted a five-year strategic plan emphasizing Arctic research and workforce development. Her exit, announced in March 2026 amid rumors of private sector opportunities, prompted a nationwide search that drew 40 candidates. Casey emerged as the top choice over finalists like University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Daniel M. White, whose leadership focuses on UAF's 11,000 students and $200 million research budget.

The selection comes as UA grapples with enrollment declines to 13,500 students systemwide and debates over consolidating low-enrollment programs in rural Alaska. Casey's legal expertise, including advising on Permanent Fund Dividend lawsuits and federal grants, positions him to lobby Juneau for the $260 million state appropriation requested for fiscal 2027. Board Executive Officer **Kerynn Fisher** noted unanimous support, signaling unity as UA eyes partnerships with tribal colleges and the University of the Arctic.

Local stakeholders in Fairbanks, home to UA's flagship campus, welcomed the internal promotion. 'Sean knows our fights—from budget battles to land claims impacting research,' said Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. With Alaska's economy tied to oil volatility and military bases, Casey's tenure will test UA's role training 70% of the state's engineers and nurses.