Cheryl Siemers, Ph.D., serves as the chancellor for the University of Alaska Anchorage, bringing more than two decades of higher education leadership, instruction and community engagement. Prior to this role, Siemers served as the director at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC). Siemers began her career with UAA in 2002 as adjunct faculty at KPC, transitioning to a full-time position in 2006 in the Department of English. She holds a B.A. in English from Cedarville University, a master’s in English from UAA, and a Ph.D. in rhetoric and linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Siemers champions equity in education, launching the Smart Start initiatives to support underprepared students in college-level courses. She also developed and enhanced dual-credit and Middle College opportunities, helping to connect high school and higher education and increasing student workforce development opportunities. A longtime Alaskan, Dr. Siemers is deeply committed to the communities she serves. Her work has emphasized community engagement and partnerships, multidisciplinary service learning and place-based education, reflecting her belief that education is transformative in the classroom and beyond.