UAS Awards Local Archeologist with Honorary Doctorate of Science

The University of Alaska Southeast will honor John Autrey with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree at the 2024 commencement ceremony.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Date of Press Release: April 30, 2024

The University of Alaska Southeast will honor John Autrey with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree at this year’s commencement ceremony. Honorary degrees are bestowed on individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the State of Alaska, the University system, and/or an individual’s discipline or profession.

Mr. Autrey served as the Tongass National Forest Archaeologist and later as the Tribal Relations Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service from 1987 until his retirement in 2004. During his tenure, he was instrumental in bringing Native Alaskan voices to bear upon the archaeological work in the Tongass National Forest. He made it a priority to ensure that when local sites were studied to collect scientific data they were also analyzed in the context of the cultures they represent.

He collaborated with UAS Ketchikan to create an innovative program that offered students a chance to learn field techniques while incorporating the oral histories and music from Native elders and other community members. He served as mentor to many of his colleagues and inspired many others through his research, authorships, and presentations.

His deep commitment to developing meaningful relationships was noted by one of his nominators as the key to his success in his field and his community. According to UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer, his “dedication and attention to detail is what made him an excellent scientist and an invaluable asset to his community. He is more than deserving of this honor.”

John Autrey will be honored in person during the UAS Ketchikan Campus Commencement Ceremony on Saturday May 4th.