The growing need for skilled leadership in outdoor and adventure settings.

As ecotourism grows in popularity, so does the demand for outdoor leadership skills.

Forest Wagner, who teaches Outdoor Studies at UAS, says these skills have applications in a variety of careers.

From risk management to an intimate understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural world, students in the University of Alaska Southeast’s Outdoor Studies program are also trained to develop good judgement, a lifelong skill.

Ketchikan city mayor receives honorary doctorate

Ketchikan City Mayor Dave Kiffer was awarded an honorary doctorate at UAS Ketchikan’s 2022 graduation ceremony held at the Ted Ferry Civic Center.

Dr. Dave Kiffer speaking at the 2022 UAS Ketchikan commencement ceremony (photo courtesy of UAS Ketchikan professor Barbara Morgan).

UAS Chancellor Karen Carey said Kiffer has served his community in a wide variety of roles, including journalist, historian, teacher, poet, musician and elected official. Currently the mayor of the city of Ketchikan, Kiffer previously served as a Ketchikan City Council member, borough mayor, and member of the borough assembly. He has also been an adjunct professor at UAS Ketchikan for 25 years. In other words, he’s worn a lot of hats – and Carey said she was glad to bestow upon Kiffer a ceremonial hood signifying the honorary degree.

Resilient Peoples & Place: Youth voices reflect on the Federal Subsistence Board process

Whether it’s spending summers fishing for salmon or hunting deep in the woods to fill freezers, Alaskans understand the important role that natural resources play in their ways of life. In turn, the state of Alaska has one of the most participatory systems in the nation for managing fish and wildlife.

For over five years, the University of Alaska Southeast has partnered with the Sitka Conservation Society and the USDA Forest Service to offer a dual enrollment high school class that teaches students about these management processes.