By UAS Whalesong

The new University of Alaska president is long-time Alaskan Matthew Cooper of Fairbanks, who has also served as UA General Counsel.

In a May 1 announcement, the Board of Regents said Cooper will start on Aug. 3. President Pat Pitney is retiring and will leave the job on May 21. Vice President of University Relations Michelle Rizk will serve as interim president until Cooper assumes the role, according to the Board.

Cooper is currently in private practice with the national law firm Davis Wright Tremaine. He has 13 years of experience at UA, including as General Counsel from 2020 to 2024. In the announcement, Board Chairman Scott Jepsen said Cooper has deep knowledge of the university system and is well-versed in federal policies that affect the state. Jepsen also said Cooper is committed to promoting innovation, enhancing the university’s Arctic presence, and strengthening student enrollment, retention, and graduation.

The board selected Cooper following a national search, lead by the executive search firm WittKieffer. The original applicant pool included 50 candidates narrowed to six. In early stages of the process, listening sessions were held with staff, faculty, students, and the general public in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks. Those attending were asked what they hoped a new president would accomplish, the attributes needed to accomplish those things, and why they were proud to be part of the UA system. Held the week of Dec. 8, 2025, during final exams, the Juneau sessions were not well attended nor recorded.

During spring semester candidate interviews, Cooper’s background, skill set, and commitment to UA were apparent, according to the news release.

“His professional approach centers on solving conflict through consensus and collaboration, an orientation that has shaped his work as a trusted advisor to public entities, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders across Alaska,” the release stated.

Cooper previously served on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, including two years as Presiding Officer. He was also on the boards of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and KUAC Friends Group, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks.

His Juris Doctor degree is from the University of Washington School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puget Sound.