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News and Press Releases 2020

December 15, 2020

UAS Scholar Dr. Tom Thornton and Alaska Natives Featured in New Handbook of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge
This volume provides an overview of key themes in Indigenous Environmental Knowledge (IEK) and anchors them with brief but well-grounded empirical case studies of relevance for each of these themes, drawn from bioculturally diverse areas around the world.

December 10, 2020

UA contributes to US Sustainable Development Solutions Network Zero Carbon Action Plan
America’s Zero-Carbon Action Plan was developed by the Zero Carbon Consortium made up of nearly 100 experts from dozens of universities, research centers, and other organizations across the country.

December 4, 2020

UAS to provide scholarships to Alaska Native and rural students in science and math through National Science Foundation grant
This National Science Foundation award will provide 22 scholarships to help academically talented, financially challenged students attend UAS.

November 30, 2020

UAS Alaska Native language professor X̱’unei Lance Twitchell honored with First Alaskans Institute Young Native Leader Award
"At a time when our languages are under stress, Dr. Twitchell has provided leadership and an example of what can be done to revitalize our languages."

November 19, 2020

Coeur Alaska Donates $300,000 to Environmental Science Endowment at UAS
It all began in 1991 when Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation (now Coeur Mining, Inc.), parent company for Coeur Alaska, received the first-ever $20,000 DuPont/Conoco Environmental Leadership Award.

November 13, 2020

UAS Information Release: COVID update
Information update on COVID cases

October 29, 2020

UAS pays tribute to Kingeistí David Katzeek
His substantial contributions documenting the rich worldview and knowledge structure of the Tlingit is the foundation of academic study and research and university intellectual engagement.

October 28, 2020

UAS Power & Privilege Symposium Adds a Second Day to Virtual Event and Announces Schedule, November 10-11
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Power & Privilege Symposium planning committee has added another day of sessions for its new virtual format. Save both dates - Tuesday and Wednesday, November 10-11, 2020.

October 7, 2020

UAS Partners with Willamette University to Provide Law Career Pathway
The 4+3 Direct Admission Program allows undergraduate students studying at UAS and UAS alumni to gain admission to Willamette Law based on certain academic credentials.

September 29, 2020

Submit Your Proposal for the 5th Annual Power and Privilege Symposium at UAS
The 5th Annual Power & Privilege Symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2020

September 29, 2020

New study highlights the role of overlooked ecological factors in salmon restoration success
Often left out of watershed assessments are biological and environmental factors like water temperature, nutrient availability, canopy cover, and the structure of food webs.

September 9, 2020

UAS Evening at Egan Fall Lecture Series Begins This Friday, September 11
The annual fall lecture series Evening at Egan kicks off this Friday, September 11 at 7 pm with a virtual presentation by Alaskan author Heather Lende.

September 9, 2020

UAS Sitka and Community Partners Host Virtual Speaker Series on Racial Equity & Justice in Southeast Alaska September 10-24
This is a free online series of presentations and workshops on racial equity and social justice sponsored by the Complete to Compete (Title III grant) at UAS Sitka Campus, in partnership with Sitka Tribe of Alaska Social Services Department, SEARHC, the Sitka STEPS Grant, the Sitka Health Summit and Pathways Coalitions.

September 2, 2020

UAS Education Grad Awarded Grant from the NEA to Create Flexible Learning Kits for Students With Exceptional Learning Needs in Response to the COVID 19 Pandemic
Capp plans to use the funds from the NEA Foundation’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant to create flexible learning kits for the students in her classroom.

September 1, 2020

Exchange Student Receives National Award for their time at UAS
The award recognizes students who make the best use of their study away exchange, focused on academic accomplishment, social welfare service, contribution to the campus or community, and creative use of their time.

July 17, 2020

Éedaa Heather Burge joins UAS as coordinator for language immersion program and Tlingit language instructor
“I am incredibly excited to be back home in Juneau, and to help support our Haida, Tsimshian and Tlingit scholars in my capacity as project coordinator, as well as an adjunct faculty member”

August 24, 2020

Study of undisturbed humpback whales made possible by Juneau’s canceled tour season
Researchers are collecting data to create a baseline of physiology and behavior of the whales, in the unprecedented absence of whale-watching tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 11, 2020

UAS Celebrates 2020 Faculty Honors
It is with great pride that the University of Alaska Southeast announces the recent promotions of our esteemed faculty, as well as the 2020 Faculty Excellence Awards.

August 7, 2020

UAS and UAF Sign Alaska Advantage Agreement, Providing Dual Enrollment Opportunities for Alaska’s High School Students
Credits from these courses are accepted at both UAS and UAF and can be transferred to other institutions.

August 6, 2020

Hecla Greens Creek and UAS Renew Pathway to Mining Careers Program with gift of $315,000
The gift supports the world-class workforce development program “Pathway to Mining Careers” with scholarship assistance to prepare Alaskans for key jobs in the mining industry, with an emphasis on mine mechanics specializing in underground equipment, that are vital to the overall economy of the state.

August 6, 2020

2020 UAS One Campus, One Book Selection Announced: "If Our Bodies Could Talk: a Guide to Operating and Maintaining a Human Body" by James Hamblin
In 2014, James Hamblin launched a series of short-form videos for The Atlantic called "If Our Bodies Could Talk." With it, the doctor-turned-journalist established himself as a seriously entertaining authority in the field of health.

August 5, 2020

UAS Prepares for Another Robust Year of Collaborative Programs with Community and University Partners
In a special meeting today, the University of Alaska Board of Regents (BOR) directed the president to work with chancellors and governance groups of all three universities to address financial challenges in a collaborative effort, while ensuring a “solid and high-quality foundation” to provide higher education programs and services vital to the State of Alaska.

July 30, 2020

UAS Announces Fall Semester 2020 Safety Expectations for Students
As the new semester begins, UAS has modified classes and services to address the challenges of COVID-19

July 29, 2020

Jackie Wilson Appointed UAS Dean of Students
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jackie Wilson as its new Dean of Students. She began working for UAS on June 29.

July 9, 2020

Maren Haavig Appointed Interim Vice Provost for the University of Alaska Southeast
Haavig has also served as Associate Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences. She continues as Associate Professor of Accounting.

July 9, 2020

Dr. Karen Carey Appointed Interim Chancellor for the University of Alaska Southeast
Dr. Karen Carey has been appointed to serve as Interim Chancellor at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), located in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city.

July 8, 2020

UAS Environmental Programs Ranked #3 in the Nation by Affordable Schools
Affordable Schools has placed the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) at #3 in its list of the 15 best affordable environmental studies Bachelor's degree programs of 2020.

June 30, 2020

Romee McAdams Joins UAS as Coordinator for Equity and Compliance
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Romee McAdams as its new Coordinator for Equity and Compliance.

June 30, 2020

Dr. Paul Kraft Named New UAS Sitka Campus Director
The University of Alaska Southeast is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Kraft has been selected as the new campus director for the UAS Sitka Campus.

June 26, 2020

UAS Northwest Coast Arts: Ancient Art Forms Meet Modern Technology
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Northwest Coast Arts program hosted its first Online Northwest Coast Woolen Weaving course and Online Northwest Coast Basketry course this spring.

June 30, 2020

UAS Chancellor Rick Caulfield Honored with Emeritus Designation, Retiring After 35 Years of Service to the University of Alaska
During the Juneau celebration, the title of Chancellor Emeritus was bestowed upon Dr. Rick Caulfield by UA President Jim Johnsen. This is a prestigious honor which celebrates Chancellor Caulfield’s continuous meritorious service as an educator and as a leader for UAS and the University of Alaska as a whole.

June 26, 2020

UAS Celebrates Student Success Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists - Spring 2020 Semester
UAS Chancellor Rick Caulfield, Dean Tom Thornton of the School of Arts & Sciences, Dean Pete Traxler of the School of Career and Technical Education, and Executive Dean Steve Atwater of the Alaska College of Education are proud to recognize students for their scholarly achievements.

May 18, 2020

Ryan Sand Joins UAS as Emergency Management Planner
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Sand as its new Emergency Management Planner.

June 2, 2020

University of Alaska Southeast is Newest Member of Interstate Passport Network, Third Regional University in Alaska to join National Initiative
The University of Alaska Southeast is the 42nd higher education institution in the country to join the Interstate Passport Network.

May 18, 2020

UAS Professor Dr. Konrad Meister Secures Grants for Research on Cryopreservation
In January 2020 chemistry professor Dr. Konrad Meister joined the faculty in the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), and since that time he has secured 2 equipment grants from the UAF Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program and INBRE -- the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence

June 1, 2020

New Study Highlights Findings and Predictions for Juneau Glacial Outburst Flood
A Frontiers in Earth Science paper explores the evolving dynamics of Suicide Basin, a glacier-dammed lake in Juneau that releases annual outburst floods, causing inundation and erosion in the Mendenhall Valley.

June 18, 2020

UAS Programs Continue as Regents Study Possible Merger
The UA Board of Regents met June 4-5 to discuss the budget challenges of the University of Alaska system.

June 2, 2020

Northrim Bank Supports UAS with Annual Contribution for Juneau’s Business & Public Policy Program, Ketchikan and Sitka Campuses
Northrim Bank has once again contributed to the University of Alaska Southeast programs, giving $63.5K to the Business and Public Policy Program, administered through the Juneau campus, and an additional $5K each to the Ketchikan and Sitka Campuses.

May 15, 2020

University of Alaska Southeast Achieves Full Reaccreditation of Teacher Education Programs
This week the Alaska College of Education (AKCoE) at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) received confirmation of its accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

May 12, 2020

UAS Northwest Coast Arts Faculty Wayne Price Honored with Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist Award
Wayne Price, Assistant Professor of Northwest Coast Arts at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) has been chosen to receive a $40K Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist award.

April 27, 2020

UAS celebrates the class of 2020 with virtual commencement ceremonies this weekend
Although traditional ceremonies are not taking place in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each campus has created a “virtual commencement” in which students can be celebrated.

April 24, 2020

UAS Honors Community Members at 2020 Commencement Ceremony, May 2
This year UAS will honor Clark Gruening with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Sharon Gaiptman and William Todd Hunt will be recognized with Meritorious Service Awards.

April 17, 2020

Dr. John Harley awarded University of Alaska coronavirus response grant
Harley was awarded $5,000 by the Immediate Innovation for Coronavirus Project (IICP) through the UAF Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship to create a tool providing a community-scale assessment of Alaska’s vulnerable populations.

April 2, 2020

UAS Tidal Echoes 2020 to Launch Virtually, April 5
During the week of April 5-12, videos will be posted from editors Callie Ziegler and Erika Bergen, featured artist Pat Race, and featured writer Maureen Longworth.

March 31, 2020

Dr. Verena Roberts Donates to the Cyril George Collection at the UAS Egan Library
After an amazing presentation Open Educational Resources (OER) and equity to faculty and staff of the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), Dr. Verena Roberts of the University of Calgary presented books to contribute to the Cyril George collection housed in the UAS Egan Library on the Auke Lake campus in Juneau.

March 27, 2020

Dr. Mary Wegner to lead Educational Leadership Programs for UAS Alaska College of Education
She will be responsible for the program that leads to a Master of Education degree, including satisfying the requirements for a Type B Certificate necessary to be a school principal, as well as the superintendent endorsement.

March 23, 2020

University of Alaska Southeast will restrict Egan Library access to current UAS students, faculty, and staff
University of Alaska Southeast Egan Library access update concerning COVID-19

March 12, 2020

For Salmon, Glacier retreat will have mixed effects
Researchers predict costs and benefits for western North American salmon populations over the coming decades

March 14, 2020

University of Alaska Southeast will restrict Egan Library access to current UAS students, faculty, and staff
Egan Library will be closed to the general public March 16 through March 30.

March 12, 2020

University of Alaska shifts course delivery, housing, events in face of COVID-19 situation
“While there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alaska, prevention is critical,” Johnsen wrote in a message to the university communities today.

March 2, 2020

Sen. Lisa Murkowski Visits UAS Ketchikan Maritime Training Center
With over 70,000 workers in the state’s maritime industry, nearly all Alaskans depend in one way or another on the maritime economy.

February 24, 2020

UAS Society for Human Resource Management student chapter announces board members
The University of Alaska Southeast student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management is pleased to announce its current board members

February 19, 2020

UAS Creative Writing Student Accepted Into Prestigious MFA Program
Callie Ziegler, a recent graduate from the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) has been accepted into the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Florida State University.

February 18, 2020

UAS Designated a Military Friendly® School for 2020-2021
UAS was granted the desgnation because of the high value placed on its student veterans and active duty personnel.

February 10, 2020

UAS to Feature Faculty Research and Creative Activity Spring Flash Talks
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Research and Creative Activities Committee is sponsoring two dives into faculty research at 12 noon on Friday, February 14.

February 6, 2020

Chancellor Search Underway at the University of Alaska Southeast
Chancellor Search Underway at the University of Alaska Southeast

February 5, 2020

UAS Holds Study Abroad Fair, Feb. 10 and Announces Spring Placements for Academic Exchange
The Study Abroad Fair will be held February 10 at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm in the Egan building just outside the main library entrance.

February 4, 2020

Alaska Foundational Innovation Corps Provides $2,500 for Early Innovation Travel Grants
The Alaska Foundational Innovation Corps program, or I-Corps, is seeking new participants who could benefit from a $2,500 travel grant to conduct market research for their idea.

February 2, 2020

UAS Offers Spring Northwest Coast Arts Classes; Sealaska Heritage Scholarships Available
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is offering Northwest Coast Arts classes this spring featuring artist instructors Kay Parker and Lily Hope.

January 31, 2020

UAS announces Senator Ted Stevens Legislative Internship Program placements for 2020
In the program’s 32-year history more than 320 students from UAS, UAA, and UAF have worked for legislators

January 30, 2020

Special Issue of AMBIO Science Journal Features Dr. Tom Thornton of UAS
Dr. Tom Thornton has been featured in a recent special issue of the science journal AMBIO. This publication is dedicated to the emerging field of Human Adaptation to Biodiversity Change.

January 29, 2020

Rasmuson Artist Profile Published for UAS Professor Emily Wall
Professor Wall’s book of poetry, Flame, was written in the wake of the #metoo movement and the recent volatile political climate.

January 23, 2020

University of Alaska Southeast Business Programs Earn National Accreditation from ACBSP
UAS is the first institution in Alaska to receive this honor.

January 21, 2020

UAS Alaska Native Studies professor X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell awarded fellowships to enhance Tlingit language and artwork
According to the First Nations Development Institute announcement, Twitchell will work to create a “Native language revitalization kit” to be used by other Indigenous peoples that summarizes how to replicate best practices in their own communities.

January 16, 2020

UAS Faculty Donations for Math Add Up Professors Seek Help to Endow Ron Seater Math Award
When Ron Seater finished high school, he couldn’t read or write and didn’t understand math. He struggled silently with a learning disability, slipped through the cracks and out the door.

January 15, 2020

UAS Celebrates Student — Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists - Fall 2019 Semester
Students on the Dean's or Chancellor's list are undergraduates admitted to a certificate or degree program at UAS.

January 14, 2020

UAS Marine Biology Bachelor’s listed #5 in College Values Online Top 20 National Ranking
The ranking takes into account affordability, accreditation, and rankings in major publications like U.S. News and World Report.