UA Board of Regents appoints university’s former general counsel as 18th president to replace retiring Pat Pitney

A 14-member search committee reviewed applications from more than 50 candidates nationally and recommended three finalists to the board in April

New University of Alaska president Matt Cooper. (Headshot provided by University of Alaska public affairs)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

Matt Cooper was announced as the new University of Alaska president by the board of regents on Friday morning. His scheduled start date is Aug. 3.

“I am excited and humbled to return to the University of Alaska, and I am grateful to the Board and search committee for this opportunity,” Cooper said in a prepared statement. “I’ve seen firsthand how UA empowers our communities and state, and I believe strongly that the future on our horizon is bright.”

The UA Board of Regents held a special meeting Friday. After about an hour of executive session, members unanimously voted to appoint Cooper. 

UA President Pat Pitney’s last scheduled day is May 21. She announced her retirement in November. The board appointed Michelle Rizk, vice president of university relations, to serve as interim president between her departure and Cooper’s start date this fall.

“I've had the pleasure to work with Matt over the years, and he is a genuine leader,” Pitney said during the special meeting. “He looks for win-win solutions. He’s worked on numerous issues and opportunities for the university at all levels. So he knows our institution, he knows the people. He’s just going to bring a really strong energy and strong leadership to our university, and it makes my stepping down — although always difficult and bittersweet — but makes my stepping down so much easier.”

Cooper spent 13 years in the UA Office of the General Counsel, including four as general counsel from 2020 to 2024, according to a press release. Cooper currently serves as an of counsel at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, a national law firm with an Anchorage office.

“He has deep knowledge of the University of Alaska System and is well-versed in federal policies that affect the state,” board chair Scott Jepsen wrote in an email to the UA community. “He is also committed to promoting innovation, enhancing the university’s Arctic presence, and strengthening student enrollment, retention, and graduation.”

The board of regents chose Cooper following a national search led by a search committee, supported by the executive search firm WittKieffer. Input was considered from constituent representatives across the three universities and community campuses. The system office met directly with each finalist in April. 

Cooper’s base salary will be $420,000, and his total compensation package (excluding benefits) will be $429,600. Pitney has an authorized base salary for fiscal year 2026 is $395,765 and her total compensation package (excluding benefits) is $427,565.

Jepsen wrote Cooper’s background, skill set and commitment to UA “shone through” during his interviews. He added more information about Cooper’s plans and engagements will be shared in the coming months.

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

Cooper earned his juris doctor from the University of Washington School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puget Sound. Cooper’s full resume is available here.

“President-Designee Cooper’s 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,” Jepsen said.

In an email to University of Alaska Southeast students, Chancellor Aparna Palmer welcomed Cooper to the new role, adding she has invited him to visit Southeast campuses. She said she has known him since starting her career at UAS in 2023.

“He is highly knowledgeable about the university and the State and enjoys being of service to others,” Palmer wrote. “He is also kind, trustworthy, humble, and dedicated to the success of the University of Alaska system.”

She added she will miss working with Pitney.

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.