BERNICE JOSEPH NAMED EXECUTIVE DEAN OF
UAF'S COLLEGE OF RURAL ALASKA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 19, 2001

Fairbanks, Alaska - University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Marshall Lind announced today that Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Commissioner and former UAF faculty member Bernice Joseph has been named Executive Dean of the College of Rural Alaska.

"Bernice is the ideal person to continue the forward momentum of the College of Rural Alaska," said Chancellor Lind. "Her experience in education and Alaska Native issues as well as workforce and economic development will be of great benefit to UAF and the state."

Joseph was named to her DCED post on Dec. 7, 1999. As deputy commissioner she served as the department's tribal liaison, oversaw rural development programs and served as a member of the DCED management team as well as a key adviser to Gov. Tony Knowles on rural issues.

"Bernice has been instrumental in continued efforts to address economic and rural development," said DCED Commissioner Debby Sedwick. "I am confident that she will continue to serve Alaska and the needs of rural Alaskans as the executive dean at the university. Her previous experience combined with the work that she has done here will be valuable. I look forward to working with her on job training related projects."

Before Joseph's appointment to DCED, she worked as an assistant professor in UAF's Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development since 1994. Originally from Nulato, Joseph previously worked for the Doyon Foundation and the Fairbanks Native Association. She holds a master's degree in business administration from UAF.

"We need a strong advocate for rural campuses in that position," said Wally Powers, CRA Advisory Council chair. "I can't think of anyone more qualified."

Clara Johnson with UAF's Interior Aleutians campus has been interim dean since July when Executive Dean Ralph Gabrielli stepped down after 11 years to return to teaching. Joseph will join UAF in November, almost two years from the date she left.

"I'm honored to be back at UAF," said Joseph. "I believe that education is the key to unlocking the enormous potential in rural Alaskans."

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Note to Editors: a photo is available upon request.

CONTACT: UAF Carla Browning, UAF Public Information Officer at (907) 474-7778 or e-mail: carla.browning@uaf.edu.

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