Emily Drygas, a life-long Alaskan, has been with the University of Alaska Fairbanks since 2002. In her current role as Director of Development, she oversees UAF's fundraising program that raises philanthropic support from private foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Emily brings a broad range of experience to her position and one of her passions is building positive relationships with UAF donors and her colleagues within the university.  Emily previously served as UAF's Senior Development Officer and the Director of Development at the University of Alaska Museum of the North where she focused on raising annual gifts, memberships, major/planned gifts, as well as fundraising events.

Emily, a two-time graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, holds an undergraduate degree in Japanese Studies (1997) and a master’s in Professional Communication (2008).  As an undergraduate student, Emily studied abroad for one year via UAF's International Exchange program in Nagoya, Japan and she later served as an international relations liaison for the consulate of Japan in Obihiro City, Hokkaido (Japan).  She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Alaska Chapter), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and UAF's School of Management Advisory board.

During her free time, Emily enjoys skiing, kayaking, and traveling.  Emily, and her husband Erik (also a UAF alumnus) reside in Fairbanks along with their two daughters, Annika and Ava.