As it currently stands the state could miss out about a third of the federal funds, a combined $129.5 million, because of the cuts to the University of Alaska.
The 75-year-old car dealership owner will take the place of Regent Gloria O’Neill for an eight-year term that concludes in 2029. O’Neill, who is the President and CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council and lives in Anchorage, was appointed to the position in 2013 by former Gov. Sean Parnell.
A stable university is one that people will attend, she says.
Pat Pitney will be heading back to the University of Alaska.
Whoever gets the job will be tasked with navigating the University of Alaska system through continued financial turmoil—brought on by continued funding cuts handed down by Gov. Mike Dunleavy as well as the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—all while trying to mend infighting in the university system.
The folks who wrote the checks felt like Johnsen had done a pretty alright job.
The resignation comes a week after the union representing UA faculty called for his resignation.
During the interview process with Wisconsin, Johnsen was critical of Alaskans’ refusal to pay taxes.
Johnsen and the University of Wisconsin faced fierce opposition over Johnsen’s track record and how UW conducted the search process.
After Johnsen was named the lone finalist for the top job at the University of Wisconsin, several professor groups say the process should have been restarted.