A professor of education policy has been selected to lead the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the institute announced Tuesday.
Diane Hirshberg has 18 years of experience with the university and the institute, a statement from the institute said. She was the founding director of ISER’s Center for Alaska Education Policy Research. She was also an adviser to the chancellor on Arctic research and education.
Hirshberg served as interim director starting in October. She replaced former director Ralph Townsend, who retired after six years.
“Dr. Hirshberg’s knowledge of Alaska and its people, and her dedication to strengthen ISER in its mission will help the Institute continue its 60-year track record of quality research and analysis on topics important to the state,” said Dr. John Nofsinger, dean of the College of Business and Public Policy.
Hirshberg holds a doctorate in education from UCLA, a master’s in public administration from Columbia University and two bachelor’s degrees from UC Berkeley.