University of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Anchorage Chancellor Parnell Announces Retirement at End of Spring Semester 2025

January 24, 2025

University of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Anchorage (UAA) Chancellor Sean Parnell announced on January 21 that he will retire at the end of the Spring Semester of 2025, concluding four years of service to UAA and the University of �Ӱ�ԭ�� (UA). During his tenure, he emphasized UAA’s role as a key educator of �Ӱ�ԭ��’s workforce while maintaining affordability and accessibility for students. In retirement, he plans to spend more time with family and friends, research, write, and continue coaching and teaching emerging leaders.

“UAA is well-positioned for a bright future,” Chancellor Parnell said in a message announcing his retirement to the UAA community. “Our vibrant campuses are supported by high-quality faculty, dedicated staff, and leadership. As a dual-mission university, UAA adds significant value to �Ӱ�ԭ��’s communities and employers through your efforts, and we offer a clear value proposition to our students as an affordable, accessible path to careers and meaningful lives. It has been an honor to serve at UAA, where we create opportunities for others through our collective work.”

Chancellor Parnell was appointed by UA President Pat Pitney in 2021. His mother was an educator, and his long-time passion for education and �Ӱ�ԭ��’s public universities made him an excellent choice to lead �Ӱ�ԭ��’s largest university. He leaves UAA with a trend of growing enrollment, enhanced decision-making transparency, and improved communication between stakeholders and university leadership.

“Chancellor Parnell has been an incredible leader for UAA; he’s built a strong leadership team, and I’m grateful for his service,” UA President Pat Pitney said. “He joined our system during a challenging time, and has been a dedicated chancellor since Day 1, revitalizing connections with the Anchorage and the UAA Community. He’ll be very missed. As we navigate the transition in the coming months, I’m committed to quality two-way communication with UAA stakeholders to fill the Chancellor role in a way that sets UAA up for continued success, and maintains the stability that’s been built during his tenure.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for Chancellor Parnell, and his dedicated years of service to UAA, the UA System, and the state of �Ӱ�ԭ��,” UA Board of Regents Chair Ralph Seekins said. “While we are sad to see him leave at the end of the semester, the board looks forward to working collaboratively on finding the next person to fill that role. On behalf of myself and the Board, I thank Chancellor Parnell for his dedication to UAA and the UA System. He will be dearly missed.”

Read UA President Pitney's statement here.