College of Liberal Arts
Kat Reichert, CLA Public Information OfficeFebruary 23, 2026cla-pio@alaska.edu
The Alaska State Legislature recently recognized political scientist Brandon M. Boylan with a legislative citation honoring his contributions to UAF and the Fairbanks community — a distinction that reflects more than a decade of work in teaching, research and academic leadership.
Boylan, a professor of political science and director of Arctic and Northern Studies at UAF, focuses his scholarship on international security, political violence, terrorism, ethnic conflict and separatist movements. His research has appeared in journals including Journal of Common Market Studies, Conflict Management and Peace Science, Nations and Nationalism, and Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. His collaborative projects have received support from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education.
Since joining UAF’s Department of Political Science in 2013, Boylan has played a key role in strengthening both Political Science and Arctic and Northern Studies. He has directed the Arctic and Northern Studies program since 2020, following earlier service as associate director and co-director, helping guide the program’s interdisciplinary growth and expanded online offerings.
In the classroom, Boylan teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in international relations, comparative politics and research methods. He also serves as faculty advisor for Model United Nations and co-founded the Model Arctic Council, an experiential learning initiative that brings students from across the circumpolar North together to simulate the work of the Arctic Council and engage contemporary Arctic policy challenges.
His sustained commitment to teaching was recognized in 2024 with the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award, one of UAF’s highest faculty honors.
Together, Boylan’s teaching, research and program leadership reflect UAF’s role as America’s Arctic university, preparing students to understand the complex political and security dynamics shaping the North today.
UAF Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science at UAF equips students to analyze power, governance and global change through rigorous, research-driven study. With strengths in international relations, Arctic policy and political analysis, the program prepares graduates for careers in public service, law, research and international affairs.
Arctic and Northern Studies at UAF
Arctic and Northern Studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on the Arctic and circumpolar North. Offering B.A., M.A. and graduate certificate options — including a fully online M.A. — the program prepares students to address the complex environmental, political and cultural challenges facing northern regions.
Programs like Political Science and Arctic and Northern Studies rely on the generosity of alumni and friends. Your gift helps support student research, hands-on learning experiences like Model Arctic Council and Model United Nations, and the next generation of Arctic leaders. Consider making a gift to the program that matters most to you.
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