Bernice Joseph assumed responsibilities as executive dean of the College of Rural and Community Development (CRCD) in November 2001. She was named vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education effective Oct. 16, 2006. She served at UAF from 1995 - 2000 as an assistant professor in the Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development and holds a master of business administration degree from UAF.

Before being named dean of the CRCD, Joseph served as the deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development. She was the department's tribal liaison, oversaw rural development programs, served as a member of the management team and was a key advisor to Gov. Tony Knowles. Joseph has also worked for the Doyon Foundation and the Fairbanks Native Association.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks' College of Rural and Community Development is home to six rural and community campuses that serve nearly two-thirds of Alaska's total land area, including more than 160 primarily Native communities. The CRCD is the center for support and development of distance delivery education throughout the university.