Val Gifford new director for Student Health and Counseling Center

October 31, 2019

Tori Tragis






Valerie Gifford became the new director for the Student Health and Counseling Center in August.

Originally from Wyoming, Gifford relocated to Alaska in 1994. The majority of her time in Alaska has been committed to living and providing services in rural communities. Gifford earned her bachelor's degree in social from UAF, her master’s from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, and her Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology with a rural and Indigenous emphasis from UAF. In addition to her work with the UAF Student Health and Counseling Center, Gifford serves on UAF’s faculty for the School of Education’s counseling program and the College of Liberal Arts’ Psychology Department. She is licensed in Alaska as a psychologist and clinical social worker.

 In the months to come, Gifford will be working with SHCC staff and the campus community to identify the most effective ways to provide outreach services. In addition, telemental health service options are being explored in hopes of offering care to rural students. With the support of the UAF administration, more options are being considered to offer students a broad range of healthcare services.

 A few of the changes that have taken place since August include:









  • Establishing a walk-in/consultation hour weekdays from 1-2 p.m. for students needing support for themselves or someone else. Faculty and staff can also utilize this time to consult about student concerns.

  • Kiana Carr is available for consultation weekly at Rural Student Services on Thursday afternoons.

  • Stacey Schmidt is available for consultation weekly at CTC on Wednesday afternoons.

  • New weekly and monthly workshops are now offered, such as Coloring for Calm, Creating Hope, Taking Control of Your Headspace, and Stress Less.


For more information please visit the health and counseling website.