The NLC acts as the north and western hub for leadership programs within Alaska. The center will focus on community engagement activities, leadership development programs, leadership research, and leadership policy. The NLC looks to cultivate leadership among students at UAF, community members, and Alaska Native groups. The center is devoted to developing programs and establishing training in communities throughout the state and nationally.

Alaska presents cultural, economic and social challenges that lay the groundwork for a better understanding of global diversity awareness and issues.  

• Link UAF leadership courses offered through the School of Management, the Honors Program, the Tanana Valley Campus Applied Business program, the ROTC program, and the Northern Studies Leadership and Civic Engagement Minor.
• Serve as a resource and maintain a directory of leadership programs and opportunities at UAF.
• Support co-curricular programming for UAF students through the Leadership Development Program at the Wood Center.
• Sponsor the UAF Summer Leadership Institute for high school students.
• Offer a major annual speaker series of interest to the University community, with outreach to Fairbanks and the state.
• Provide training workshops in communication, conflict management, group dynamics, dealing with difficult people, managing diversity, facilitation, motivation, and various leadership topics to local for-profit and non-profit organizations throughout the state.
• Fund and conduct research on leadership issues.