Photo courtesy of Alaska Public Media.
On April 2, the Senate Education Committee held a hearing to address bills and consider appointees for the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
The Northern Light interviewed the two nominees, Karen Perdue and Christine Resler via email.
Perdue wrote that there are a few challenges the University of Alaska system is facing, such as enrollment decline, financial stability and financial aid.
She wrote that enrollment across the UA system has declined over the last decade but has started to rebound. Perdue wrote that it is essential for the Board of Regents to help recruit and retain more students to keep academic offerings strong.
Perdue wrote that her priority is twofold with financial stability. Federally, she aims to preserve grants and research work that total more than $200 million for the UA system. At the state level, Perdue wrote that the number one priority is funding staff and faculty salaries and benefits.
Perdue wrote that a similar approach is being taken for financial aid.
She wrote that a major focus at the state level has been alerting students to the increased Alaska Performance Scholarship.
Perdue wrote that it is essential for the board to maintain these programs, as federal financial aid for the UA system will total over $50 million a year.
New guidance routinely arrives from the federal government about DEI and higher education. Perdue wrote that the information is a lot for administrators and staff to keep up with, but they’re working to understand it and determine what is actionable.
Perdue wrote that the board takes information from experts at the university before determining what actions need to be taken.
“If it’s not an emergency, we need to hear from our stakeholders and the public,” wrote Perdue. “Of course we need to adhere to the Open Meetings Act in doing so.”
Resler wrote that a challenge facing the UA system is uncertainties about federal funding. She wrote that federal actions cannot be ignored due to the $200 million of federal funding that UA receives.
She also wrote that she sees opportunity in raising enrollment and graduation rates.
On April 14, Pat Pitney informed the UA community that four individuals affiliated with UAA had their student visas revoked.
Perdue wrote that international students bring a different worldview to campus life and coursework. She wrote that she is concerned for students who are lawfully in Alaska and are being unfairly or erroneously targeted.
Resler wrote that international students enrich universities through their unique perspectives, cultural exchange and academic engagement. She wrote that visa revocations raise concerns about the stability and support of international students at UA.
“Working with university leadership and federal agencies to clarify visa policies and ensure compliance while protecting students’ rights is a priority,” wrote Resler.
Resler wrote that responses to federal DEI guidance require a balanced approach. She wrote that responses must respect legal obligations while upholding UA’s commitment to inclusivity and nondiscrimination.
Resler wrote that she plans to ensure that new guidance and implications are reviewed and assessed with reference to Title VI and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.
Resler wrote that the Board of Regents was compliant with the Open Meetings Act during its February 2025 session. She wrote that this compliance was achieved in multiple ways.
She wrote that the meeting agenda included notice of an executive session discussion, but the board made no decisions during the executive session.
Following the session, a regent brought a motion to the floor, which the Chair opened for discussion and a vote.
If confirmed by the State Legislature, both Perdue and Resler will serve on the Board of Regents until 2033.
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