480 Degrees Across UAS Campuses
4 Sitka Students of Distinction
2021 Students of Distinction
David CarrollFisheries Technology Graduate Student of Distinction
Jaime BucatcatHealth Information Management Graduate Student of Distinction
April McDougallMedical Assisting Graduate Student of Distinction
Jade NodesAssociates of Arts Graduate Student of Distinction
Sitka Commencement Speakers
UA President Pat Pitney
Pat Pitney currently serves as the state's Director of the Division of Legislative Finance. She was the former Vice Chancellor of Administration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and served at UA Statewide for 17 years. In all, Pitney spent 23 years with the University of Alaska before leaving to serve as the State Budget Director in the administration of former Governor Bill Walker.
Chancellor Karen Carey
As chancellor, Dr. Karen Carey provides strategic leadership in fulfilling UAS’s mission, including budget development, academic planning and program assessments, student and enrollment services, administrative services, and community relations.
Regent Sheri Buretta
Sheri Buretta, chair of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, was appointed in 2015 by Governor Walker. Regent Buretta is the Chairman of the Chugach Alaska Corporation. She is also Director of the Native American Contractors Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Board of Directors for Alaskans Standing Together, the Tatitlek Corporation Board, and the ROSSIA Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska, Inc.
Campus Director Paul Kraft
Dr. Paul Kraft earned his Doctorate of Education degree in Adult and Higher Education Administration from Montana State University - Bozeman. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Guidance from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.
Honorary Doctorate of Education Recipient: Pauline Kookesh Duncan
Pauline Duncan is greatly respected as a teacher and culture bearer. She created an invaluable legacy of teaching materials that merge Tlingit culture and language with Alaska educational standards. Ms. Duncan’s achievements reflect her dedication to the exchange of cultural knowledge and her considerable talent and expertise in the field of elementary education. An accomplished classroom teacher, her experience spans over 30 years at all levels from pre-kindergarten to high school. She retired from the Sitka School District in 2005.
Joel Markis
Assistant Professor Joel Markis joined the Fisheries Technology Program in 2013 as an outreach coordinator and adjunct faculty in Homer, Alaska. Markis now serves as director of the program in Sitka, and enjoys backcountry skiing, fishing, sailing, and is an avid scuba diver and dive instructor.
Randy Nutting
Randy Nutting serves as the Manager of Records and Registration at the UAS Sitka Campus. Randy is the longest serving staff member, completing his 24th year on the Sitka Campus. Randy represents the many staff employees that work behind the scenes to give students taking classes at the university a positive experience.
Jade Nodes
Jade is graduating with an Associate of Art degree with plans of continuing her education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work.
