Department
Humanities
The mission of the UAS Humanities Department is to help students develop independence, flexibility, and creativity in thinking and personal growth. Our programs facilitate student learning in the following areas:
- Self-reflection is encouraged as students learn from writing, speaking, and problem solving in the humanities.
- Students develop individual style and voice as they apply creative and critical techniques in problem-solving activities.
- Students learn to articulate and defend their ideas as they gain an appreciation of the role of the humanities for the individual development and society as a whole.
The Humanities Department has a commitment to cultural diversity and to exposing students to multiple world views.
Alaska Native Arts, Languages & Studies
Program coordinator: Dr. X̱’unei Lance Twitchell
English & Literature
Program coordinator: Emily Wall, M.F.A.
Environmental and Outdoor Studies
Program coordinator: Dr. Kevin Maier
Part of the Program on the Environment, Departments of Humanities and Natural Sciences
Liberal Arts
Program coordinator: Dr. Andrea Dewees
Staff
Faculty
Emily Wall, B.A., M.F.A. (she/her)
Professor of English
My passion is for poetry. I’ve been studying, writing, and publishing poetry for 20 years. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a connected and supportive writing community throughout Alaska.
Kevin Maier, Ph.D.
Professor of English
While my training is in 19th and 20th century American literature, my interests have always been in the cultural components of environmental concerns, often seen from the angle of sport hunting and fishing. Which is to say: I like to mix my outdoor recreation with hard questions about climate change, equity, and environmental justice.
Math Trafton, B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D. (he/him)
Professor of English
In the classroom, Dr. Trafton is committed to empowering students through rigorous interdisciplinary exercises that challenge students according to their interests and their abilities. He strives to support students in developing the experience, confidence, and skills to discover their voice and to use it effectively.
X̱’unei Lance Twitchell, M.F.A., Ph.D.
Professor of Alaska Native Languages
All systems and spaces have space for Indigenous languages, knowledges, arts, and peoples. You can study with us and stand up for Indigenous languages, ways of knowing, and decolonization in revolutionary self-love. Kakḵwa.áaḵw aag̱áa yakḵwadláaḵ: I will try, and I will succeed!
Forest J. Wagner, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Outdoor Studies, Humanities Department Chair
View profile and contact infoRosemarie J. Alexander-Isett, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communication
View profile and contact info
Forest S. Haven, Ph.D. (she/her)
Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Alaska Native Studies
View profile and contact infoÉedaa Heather D. Burge, B.L.A., M.A.
Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Languages
View profile and contact infoJudith D. Ramos, M.A.T.
Assistant Professor, Northwest Coast Arts
Volunteer activities: Cultural Advisory Committee, Alaska Native Heritage Center; Museum Collections Advisory Committee, Alaska State Museum; Commissioner, Alaska Native Science Commission; member, Museum Sovereignty Advisory Circle, CIRI Foundation; member, Eyak Language Preservation and Archive Committee
