UA Newswire September 2, 2025

newswire

September 2, 2025

Research, workforce development and economic growth news stories and other feature articles from the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast, University of Alaska System Office and the UA Foundation. Compiled by the University of Alaska System Office of Public Affairs.

University of Alaska Anchorage

Opinion: UAA: Right here. Right now.

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, we believe your future should be as bold and unique as you are. As someone who’s spent a lifetime in education and community service, I can tell you there’s no better place to begin, continue or return to your educational journey than right here at UAA.

Contact: Katie Bender

A woman with long brown hair folds her arms Dr. Cheryl Siemers is interim chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage

Alaska historian Stephen Haycox remembered for fair-minded, analytical approach

Alaska historian and author Stephen Haycox died earlier this month at the age of 85.

Many considered Haycox to be Alaska's leading historian, having penned several books fundamental to understanding the state's history. That included "Battleground Alaska," which explored Alaska's complicated relationship with the federal government, and "Frigid Embrace," about how natural resource extraction in the state affected residents views of nature and relationships with Alaska Native people

Contact: Katie Bender

Alaska SBDC Mat-Su Center Director Named America’s SBDC 2025 Alaska State Star

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage is proud to announce that Misty O’Connor, Mat-Su Center Director, has been selected as Alaska’s 2025 America’s SBDC State Star. This prestigious national award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding performance, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping small businesses thrive.

Contact: Katie Bender

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Alaska's largest research institute well positioned, geographically and financially, director says

Geophysical Institute Director Bob McCoy says the GI plays an important role in interdisciplinary studies, bringing researchers together under one roof. But McCoy says collaboration with Russian scientists, in particular, has been nonexistent of late.

Contact: Marmian Grimes

A rocket statue in front of the UAF GI building in winter The Geophysical Institute on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus

Calling lost chickadees in far-north poplars

Tom Glass, a postdoctoral researcher with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, traveled to these stands in early August. He wants to understand how such Arctic poplars provide habitat for a wide variety of animals — grizzlies, wolverines, moose, snowshoe hares and, historically, this now-absent chickadee.

Contact: Marmian Grimes

Student Loan Changes You Need to Know

Navigating the world of Financial Aid can be a daunting task for students of all backgrounds. Staying up to date with available programs and resources is vital in times where the landscape of educational funding is shifting.

Following the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill this July, several notable changes have been made to financial aid and student loan programs that will affect students in the coming years.

Contact: Marmian Grimes

University of Alaska Southeast

New UAS principal training program gets $100,000 grant to cover student tuition

A $100,000 grant from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development will pay for student tuition in the new training program.

UAS Dean of Education Carlee Simon said the Principal Apprenticeship Program will work with districts around the state to train future administrators while they’re working in schools.

Contact: Abi Spofford

sideview of black raven statue on campus with a group of students walking past UAS students recently returned to campus for the fall semester

New kindergarten teacher brings passion for literacy

Kacey Hammer is stepping into her first official teaching role this fall as Stedman Elementary’s newest kindergarten teacher.

Hammer is currently completing her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Southeast, working toward her K-8 certification. She’ll begin the school year on a provisional license while finishing her student teaching requirements in her own classroom — an arrangement that her UAS advisor encouraged.

Contact: Abi Spofford

Did you know UAS has saved students more than $1 million through open textbooks, setting the stage for Alaska’s first “Z-Degree”?

Textbook costs block students from finishing college. UAS is leading in Open Educational Resources (OER), removing cost barriers and positioning Alaska as a national leader in affordability.

When UAS closed its bookstore in 2014, students faced new challenges in getting course materials. Librarian Jonas Lamb saw an opportunity. In 2015, he began exploring open educational resources and working with faculty and student leaders. Those early efforts grew into what is now known as Open UAS.

Contact: Abi Spofford

UA System Office

UA Regents to take public testimony ahead of September meeting

The University of Alaska Board of Regents will take public testimony from 4-5 p.m Sept. 2, ahead of the board’s meetings at the University of Alaska Southeast campus in Juneau.

Meetings will include reports from chancellors and the president, budget and tuition discussions, policy revisions and recognition of outgoing UAF Chancellor Daniel White.

Contact: Jonathon Taylor

ua president pat pitney gestures with her hand while seated at a roundtable with other regents Alaskans may call during the hourlong session to share comments or concerns directly with regents

As UA students prepare for class in Anchorage and Fairbanks, 2 interim chancellors stand at the helm

Cheryl Siemers, University of Alaska Anchorage interim chancellor, and Mike Sfraga, University of Alaska Fairbanks interim chancellor, are both looking to the future.

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney will announce the next permanent chancellors for each campus in the coming months.

Contact: Jonathon Taylor

UA plans to sell Whiskey Ridge Drive Subdivision land, Cordova officials emphasize opportunity for more housing

The University of Alaska has published its plan to parcel out and sell about 32 acres of land it owns within Cordova’s Whiskey Ridge Drive Subdivision, and some city officials are pointing to the opportunity for more housing development.

Contact: Jonathon Taylor

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The University of Alaska is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution. The university is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.