Friday Focus: Optimism in the air
October 18, 2019
— by Keith M. Champagne, vice chancellor for student affairs
A reporter for College Hockey News recently asked me, “Why are you so optimistic about Nanook athletics?” For those who know me, I am naturally a positive, hopeful and optimistic person. In fact, I am also that person who sees the glass as half full or who believes that tomorrow is going to be a new and better day. Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Co., states, one of the most important qualities of a good leader is optimism, a pragmatic enthusiasm for what can be achieved. Even in the face of difficult times and choices and less than ideal outcomes, an optimistic leader does not yield to pessimism. Simply put, people are not motivated or encouraged by pessimism.
First, I am optimistic about Nanook athletics because of all of the outstanding student athletes who believe in and trust the University of Alaska Fairbanks and athletics administrators.
Second, I am optimistic because of the parents and families who thanked us for always being open and transparent with them and their children during these times of uncertainty and ambiguity.
Third, I am optimistic because the university, Fairbanks and surrounding communities and our corporate sponsors continued to support Nanook athletics.
Moreover, UAF athletics generates brand identity, awareness and marketing for the university. Our highly visible athletics program increases the number of prospective student applications, bolsters our alumni participation, encourages and facilitates giving to the university through various philanthropic initiatives. The Athletics Department produces campus cohesion, community engagement and community building. “The primary form of mass media advertising by academic institutions in the United States is arguably through their athletic programs,” says Harvard Business School Associate Professor of Business Administration Doug J. Chung.
In addition, our current sports that are in season — volleyball, rifle, swimming, cross country and hockey — are all off to great starts of their seasons. Our volleyball team is currently second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The rifle team members are excelling, and one of our current rifle team members was recently invited to compete in the 2020 Olympic trials.
Hockey was awarded and celebrated as its conference’s Hockey Team of the Week and received votes to be included in the top 25 of NCAA Division I hockey teams. In the most recent NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rate survey, men’s hockey student-athletes post a 95.8% rate nationally. Here at UAF, our hockey program recorded a perfect 100% GSR in terms of student-athlete degree completion.
Furthermore, in an effort to change the landscape of athletics at UAF and in the community, athletics was fully integrated into the Division of Student Affairs under the vice chancellor for student affairs and athletics. We have developed “The Nanook Way,” a five-year strategic plan. The plan includes increased community outreach and community engagement, expanded fundraising practices, student athletic development and wellness, academic success, increased graduation rates, and postgraduation success. This transformation aspires to find efficiencies and create a highly functioning Athletics Department by developing coordinated, cooperative and collaborative ventures and partnerships with other areas of the university.
In November 2018, Usibelli Coal Mine announced a $75,000 gift to support Nanook athletics. The donation funded the renovation of the weight room for student-athletes. Athletics hosted the first annual open house in September 2019 for the community to meet student-athletes and Athletics staff, and tour the renovated facilities. Also in September, we hosted 480 students from the Fairbanks school district to watch a midmorning volleyball game between our Nanooks and Montana State Billings.
Hence, in essence, we do in fact have a lot to be positive and optimistic about regarding our athletic program at UAF and in the city of Fairbanks.
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF’s leadership team every week.