Governor Palin Appoints Four to Board of Regents
by Kathleen McCoy |
January 24, 2007, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Palin today announced four appointments
to the University of Alaska Board of Regents: Fuller Cowell II of Anchorage, Patricia
Jacobson of Kodiak, Kirk Wickersham of Anchorage, and Tim Brady of Anchorage.
Fuller Cowell II
Fuller Cowell II is a retired businessman who spent much of his life in the press.
He is the founder of the Valdez Vanguard, former publisher of The Cordova Times, and
most recently, the former publisher of the Anchorage Daily News. He co-chaired the
Providence Foundation Steering Committee and was a founding member of the Alaska Cancer
Research and Education Center. Cowell and his wife, Christmas, were co-chairs of
the 1996 Anchorage United Way Campaign. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration
from National University in Sacramento, California.
"Fuller's vast knowledge and commitment to giving back to the University of Alaska
makes him an obvious choice for this post," said Governor Palin. "He will be an advocate
of the University's academic quality and pledge to fiscal responsibility."
"I am honored to be chosen by Governor Palin to serve on the University of Alaska
Board of Regents," said Cowell. "The University is one of Alaska's most valuable
assets. I will do everything possible to enhance this fine institution for the benefit
of all Alaskans."
Patricia Jacobson
Patricia Jacobson is a retired educator and former member of the Kodiak Borough School
Board. In addition to teaching for 26 years, Jacobson worked as a big game guide.
She has volunteered countless hours on numerous councils and boards. Jacobson received
a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska.
"Patricia has improved the lives of countless students in Kodiak and brings that dedication
to furthering the growth of Alaska's students within the public university system,"
said Governor Palin. "We will no doubt benefit from her insight and devotion."
"I am thrilled and honored to have been selected to serve on the Board of Regents,"
said Jacobson. "The University system is a wonderful and critical element of the
state. I look forward to the challenges of guiding the University while exercising
fiscal responsibility."
Kirk Wickersham
Kirk Wickersham is an attorney, real estate broker and entrepreneur. He is the owner
of the For Sale By Owner Assistance Program, a company that provides professional
consulting to home sellers. He holds degrees from the University of Alaska, University
of Colorado, and Yale Law School.
"Kirk is a long-time public servant and a recognized leader in the private sector,"
said Governor Palin. "He will bring a valuable prospective to the Board. The positive
impact he will have on our higher education system will be immeasurable."
"I am honored and humbled that Governor Palin has selected me to serve on the Board
of Regents," said Wickersham. "As an alumnus, it will be a privilege to serve the
students, faculty and staff. I am particularly interested in exploring the option
of creating a law school within the University."
Tim Brady
Tim Brady has been reappointed to another term. Brady is the President of Ken Brady
Construction Company. He served the remaining two years of an unexpired eight-year
term left vacant when a previous regent resigned. Brady holds a Bachelor of Science
degree from Arizona State University's School of Engineering, Division of Construction.
He is involved with the Anchorage Downtown Rotary, Boy Scouts of America, American
Red Cross, Better Business Bureau, and Associated General Contractors of Alaska.
"I am so grateful that Tim has agreed to continue his service on the Board," said
Governor Palin. "Tim is a man of intelligence and vision who will continue the University
system's longstanding commitment to excellence."
"I am honored that Governor Palin has reappointed me to the Board of Regents," said
Regent Brady. "I look forward to meeting the challenges facing our University system
and serving the needs of our students."
The University of Alaska Board of Regents is an 11-member board, appointed by the
Governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. Members serve an eight-year term,
with the exception of the student regent who serves a two-year term. The Board sets
policy for the University of Alaska and appoints its president.