Regents hear from public at Bethel meeting
April 14, 2015
The University of Alaska Board of Regents held its April 9-10 meeting at the Kuskokwim
Campus in Bethel. Public testimony demonstrated strong support for the branch campus
as many community members offered personal stories about how much the campus means
to their families, community and region. Regents were touched as they imbued the meeting
with the importance of cultural and traditional education through their local campus.
Bethel resident Daisy Mae spoke in support of human services and social work programs
specifically, as she delivered her testimony in both Yupik and English.
"Here the educational world is with you, and in you, as it follows our lives that
are so full of transition,” she said. She described all individuals as having the
capacity for “caring, compassion and kindness which is within your heart to take,
give and apply” and how education comes into play to guide those values accordingly.
Regents Chair Jo Heckman said “public testimony is so important to the board. Hearing
from the local community and seeing firsthand the impact that the university has on
Alaska’s communities is always very moving. There were several references to balancing
course work through KuC with an indigenous lifestyle. Very inspiring stuff.”
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research Dan White gave an update on the university’s
strategic direction initiative, Shaping Alaska’s Future Theme 3: Productive Partnerships
with Public and Private Industries. White shared that that the total number of degrees
and certificates awarded in high-demand job areas has increased more than 20 percent
over the last five years. One of the ways the university seeks to increase the number
of workforce-ready graduates is by building collaborations and partnerships with industry
partners across Alaska.
There was general discussion on the system budget and legislative process. Chancellors
Brian Rogers and John Pugh updated the board on program prioritization
efforts underway at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska
Southeast in preparation for difficult financial times ahead. University of Alaska
Anchorage officials reported on their prioritization process in February.
After reading the heartfelt resolutions of appreciation, the board celebrated, with
standing ovations, the careers and years of service of three colleagues leaving the
UA administration. Pugh and UA Associate Vice President of Facilities and Land Management
Kit Duke announced their retirement plans earlier this year. Student Regent Courtney Enright
also just completed her two-year term on the board.
The board next meets in June at the UAF campus.