John Bania, Darroll R. Hargraves join UA Board of Regents

On Thursday, April 18, the Alaska Senate/House Joint Committee confirmed John Bania and Darroll R. Hargraves as members of University of Alaska Board of Regents. Gov. Michael Dunleavy appointed Regent Hargraves on January 3, and Regent Bania on February 1.

Regents Bania and Hargraves have both served as superintendent in rural schools in Alaska. Their understanding of the unique challenges facing rural students will help the Board of Regents make the decisions that will benefit students from across Alaska. Their eight-year term ends in February 2027.

Bania owns Finish Carpentry in Wrangell. Finish Carpentry is a licensed, bonded and insured business specializing in custom kitchens and fine trim carpentry. He has also served as a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in rural Alaska schools. Bania has a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in vocational-technical education from Montana State University-Northern.

Darroll Hargraves owns a management consulting agency called School and Community Resources. His extensive education background includes serving as Superintendent of Schools in Nome, Ketchikan and Tok. He’s been a Consultant Superintendent in five other districts. He was formerly the Director of the Division of Statewide Services for the University of Alaska and the former Executive Director of the Alaska Association of School Administrators. He’s also been involved with several private business ventures including the development of the Country Ridge Estates near Wasilla.

Hargraves has served on numerous commissions, board and councils. He’s received three legislative citations for meritorious services and served on the Local Boundary Commission for four governors. Hargrave received a bachelor’s degree from Oakland City University and a Masters and Educational Leadership degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents is an 11-member board that is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. Regents serve an 8-year term, with the exception of the student regent who is nominated by his/her campus for a two-year term. For more information visit  www.alaska.edu/bor.