I had a thought that maybe the governor of Alaska is using his leverage by (at least for now) withholding $130 million to force deep structural changes for greater efficiency to the UA system. Things have changed since UAF opened about 100 years ago as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines. UAA became a 4 year school only about 40 years ago and now has double the enrollment of UAF. UAA's prospects for growth seem better because of its location (Anchorage metro area is 4xs the size of the Fairbanks). So maybe the roles need to reverse and UAA becomes the flagship and UAF becomes an extension that is the home of certain specialized programs? (But would that satisfy the NCAA so that they could have a combined athletic program: some sports in Anchorage, some sports in Fairbanks?)