UAA chancellor finalist candidates & campus visit details

September 5, 2025

Earlier this year, UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell announced his plans to retire at the end of the spring 2025 semester. In preparation, Ï㽶ÊÓƵPresident Pat Pitney has appointed an interim chancellor and convened a search committee to identify UAA’s next permanent leader.

Four finalists have been selected and will participate in a series of campus forums and community engagement events in September. These sessions are a chance for students, faculty, staff, and community members to meet the candidates, hear their vision for UAA, and provide feedback.

Finalist candidates:

  • Jennifer Capps, Ph.D.

  • Diane Hirshberg, Ph.D.

  • John R. Ballard, Ph.D.

  • Aaron Dotson, Ph.D.

Forum details:

  • Students, Staff, and Faculty Forums (9–10:30 a.m., UAA/APU Consortium Library, Room 307; remote option available)

    • Sept. 9 – Jennifer Capps, Ph.D.

    • Sept. 12 – Diane Hirshberg, Ph.D.

    • Sept. 16 – John R. Ballard, Ph.D.

    • Sept. 18 – Aaron Dotson, Ph.D.

  • Community Forums (5:30–7 p.m., UAA/APU Consortium Library, Room 307; reception begins at 5:30 p.m.)

    • Sept. 8 – Jennifer Capps, Ph.D.

    • Sept. 11 – Diane Hirshberg, Ph.D.

    • Sept. 15 – John R. Ballard, Ph.D.

    • Sept. 17 – Aaron Dotson, Ph.D.

Each forum will feature a brief presentation by the candidate followed by an interactive Q&A. You can submit questions in advance through the , and elected governance leaders will read them during the session. After each forum, you’ll have an opportunity to share feedback.

Please log in with your UAA identity to complete the . While remote attendance will be available to accommodate all campuses, we encourage in-person participation if possible.

For more information, please visit the UAA chancellor search webpage.

Two women on the left and two men on the right in individual portraits
Jennifer Capps, Ph.D. | Diane Hirshberg, Ph.D. | John R. Ballard, Ph.D. | Aaron Dotson, Ph.D.