JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The University of Alaska Board of Regents on Tuesday named Pat Pitney interim president, a position she is expected to hold at least a year while a search for a permanent president is underway.
Pitney is expected to take over Aug. 1, according to a system release. Michelle Rizk has been acting president. Rizk was named to that position last month, after Jim Johnsen resigned.
Pitney is director of the Legislative Finance Division, which provides budget and revenue analyses for the Legislature. She was budget director under former Gov. Bill Walker and has a long history with the university system, including work as a vice chancellor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The university has faced enrollment and budget challenges, which Regents Chair Sheri Buretta said Pitney will bring a fresh perspective in helping address.
Pitney was one of five finalists for the role. Pitney agreed to serve for up to 18 months or until the board appoints the next president, whichever is first, the release states.
Austin Baird, Alaska House majority communications director, said the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee will be charged with finding a new Legislative Finance Division director.