By SUZANNE DOWNING
MAY 2, 2026 – The University of Alaska Board of Regents has selected Matthew “Matt” Cooper as the system’s next president, marking a return to familiar leadership for the statewide university network.
Cooper will be the 18th president of the University of Alaska system on Aug. 3, following the departure of current president Pat Pitney, whose final day is scheduled for May 21. During the interim period, Michelle Rizk will serve as acting president from May 22 through Aug. 2.
The Board of Regents voted unanimously to hire Cooper after a national search that drew more than 50 applicants. The search, launched in fall 2025 and assisted by executive firm WittKieffer, used a confidential vetting process that included input from stakeholder groups operating under nondisclosure agreements.
Cooper, a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in Fairbanks and graduated from Lathrop High School, brings deep institutional experience to the role. He previously spent about 13 years working within the UA system, including serving as general counsel from roughly 2020 to 2024. Most recently, he worked as of counsel at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in Anchorage, focusing on real estate and land use matters.
He holds a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound.
In announcing the hire, Board Chair Scott Jepsen and Pitney both pointed to Cooper’s familiarity with the university system and his involvement in key initiatives, including land grant efforts, intellectual property commercialization, and operational efficiencies.
The University of Alaska system includes its three primary universities—University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast—along with community campuses across the state.
Cooper’s compensation package includes a base salary of $420,000, with total compensation of $429,600 excluding benefits, placing it slightly above Pitney’s current package.
In a statement, Cooper said he is eager to return to the university system and help advance its priorities, including boosting enrollment and strengthening its role in Arctic research.
His selection comes at a time when the University of Alaska continues to navigate enrollment challenges, workforce development needs, and its evolving role in research and economic development across the state.
One thought on “University of Alaska taps Matt Cooper as next president, effective August”
I do not know this fellow. That said, universities are probably best led by people with PhDs. Lawyers and political types have limitations in trying to direct/lead faculties of academics. Relationships with the Legislature may go well but do not look for changes in the program or philosophy.