Sean Parnell

Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage

Chancellor Sean Parnell leads the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Alaska’s largest institution of higher education. Since his appointment in 2021, the Chancellor has advanced UAA’s role as Alaska’s largest workforce provider, and the flagship university for health and Arctic public policy. Under his leadership, the university has pursued key initiatives focusing on college affordability, student success, and positioning UAA as a trusted community partner.

Prior to becoming Chancellor, Parnell was an attorney practicing law in Alaska for twenty-five years. Parnell served as the 10th Governor of the State of Alaska from 2009-2014. His leadership expanded funding for education, helped combat domestic violence and sexual assault, and lifted Alaska to record economic prosperity and employment. The Chancellor previously served in the Alaska State Legislature, and he was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2006.

Chancellor Parnell is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University (BBA), and earned his juris doctor from Seattle University School of Law.