Introduction
Alaska Pacific University, located in Anchorage, Alaska, is a private university known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and commitment to experiential learning. Founded in 1957, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, counseling psychology, environmental science, and outdoor studies. While many people may not be familiar with this small university in the northernmost state of the United States, there are plenty of fun facts to discover about Alaska Pacific University.
Unique Academic Programs
Alaska Pacific University offers a range of unique academic programs that reflect the university’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning and its location in Alaska. One such program is the Marine Biology program, which takes advantage of Alaska’s rich marine environment and allows students to conduct research on everything from humpback whales to salmon. Another unique program is the Outdoor Studies program, which teaches students how to live and work in the wilderness while also preparing them for careers in fields such as outdoor education and recreation management. The university’s Sustainability Studies program also stands out, as it integrates environmental sustainability into a variety of disciplines, including business, education, and psychology.
Alaska Pacific University also offers a program that is not offered at any other university in the world: the Expeditionary Studies program. This program takes students on month-long expeditions to places like Patagonia, Nepal, and Alaska, where they learn outdoor skills and conduct research in fields such as geology and ecology. These expeditions are physically demanding and mentally challenging, but they provide students with a unique learning experience that they will never forget.
Unique Campus Features
Alaska Pacific University’s campus is located on a 170-acre wooded site in Anchorage, surrounded by trails, lakes, and mountains. This location provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, which is reflected in the university’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor education.
One unique feature of the campus is the Atwood Center, which houses the university’s dining hall, student lounge, and meeting spaces. The building is named after Jay Hammond, a former governor of Alaska who was also an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. The Atwood Center is also home to a replica of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race starting line, complete with a sled dog team and musher.
Another unique feature of the campus is the Grant Hall, which was built in 1957 and is one of the oldest buildings on campus. Grant Hall is a three-story building that houses classrooms, offices, and the university’s main administrative offices. The building is named after Eustace P. Grant, a philanthropist and business leader who was one of the founding members of Alaska Pacific University.
Notable Alumni
Alaska Pacific University has a number of notable alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. One such alum is Byron Mallott, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska from 2014 to 2018. Mallott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Alaska Pacific University in 1965, and he went on to work in a variety of public service roles, including serving as the Mayor of Yakutat and the President of the Alaska Federation of Natives.
Another notable alum is Anand Varma, a National Geographic photographer and filmmaker who specializes in natural history and science storytelling. Varma earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alaska Pacific University in 2006, and he has since traveled the world documenting everything from hummingbirds to parasites. His work has been featured in National Geographic magazine and on National Geographic’s website and social media channels.
Community Engagement
Alaska Pacific University is committed to engaging with the local community and making a positive impact in Anchorage and beyond. The university’s Community Engagement Center partners with local organizations to provide service opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. These partnerships range from environmental cleanups to tutoring programs for underserved youth.
One example of the university’s community engagement is the annual “Service Day” event, where students, faculty, and staff spend a day volunteering at various nonprofit organizations throughout Anchorage. Another example is the university’s partnership with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which provides students with the opportunity to learn about Alaska Native culture and history through hands-on experiences and cultural events.
In addition to its community engagement initiatives, Alaska Pacific University also supports a variety of sustainability efforts. The university has a Green Team that works to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices on campus, and the university’s Sustainability Committee works to integrate environmental sustainability into the university’s academic programs and operations.
Conclusion
Alaska Pacific University may be a small university in a remote location, but it has a lot to offer. From unique academic programs to a beautiful campus surrounded by wilderness, Alaska Pacific University provides a one-of-a-kind educational experience. The university’s commitment to community engagement and sustainability also makes it a leader in higher education. As Alaska Pacific University continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact in Alaska and beyond.
