Chancellor's Forum on UAF's Vision
By Amber McCain
On February 11, University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Dan White addressed the university's current challenges and opportunities in a discussion panel, focusing on the shifting landscape of higher education and its impact on UAF. White acknowledged the decline in the number of high school graduates and the overall reduction in college enrollment, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, he pointed to UAF’s potential for growth, particularly through attracting students from outside Alaska. He emphasized that enrollment growth is vital for the university's vitality and long-term financial stability, and he discussed how research and enrollment are interconnected, impacting UAF's future success.
The 2027 strategic plan, developed by UAF faculty and staff, remains a guiding framework for the university. White outlined that the strategic goals include bolstering UAF’s standing as a tier-one research university, expanding the university’s reach to non-Alaskan students, and strengthening ties to Alaska Native and Indigenous studies. He underscored that UAF’s vision isn’t just about growing numbers but also about creating a campus environment where students feel at home and have a strong sense of belonging. White discussed ongoing infrastructure investments, including new research buildings, student housing, and a potential hotel to support the university and its visitors. Additionally, long-term plans are in place to modernize campus infrastructure and address deferred maintenance.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Owen Guthrie, discussed the impact of the changing higher education landscape on UAF’s enrollment. He explained that fewer students are pursuing postsecondary education, creating an opportunity for UAF to position itself as an appealing option by offering high-quality programs and services. Guthrie emphasized the importance of improving admissions, advising, and student support services to meet national standards while addressing local students' needs from rural Alaska, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley.
He also highlighted that UAF is actively working to make its campus more appealing to prospective students, especially those outside Alaska, by modernizing student housing, creating welcoming spaces, and improving facilities. Guthrie noted that effective communication of UAF’s strengths, such as its leadership in STEM research and strong Fine Arts and Humanities programs, is key to growing enrollment.
Guthrie reported that UAF has already seen a substantial increase in applications, with 5,000 applications for Fall 2025 compared to 2,500 the previous year. UAF’s decision to join the Common Application (Common App) has expanded the university’s reach and increased applications and enrollments. He also pointed out that UAF’s partnership with the Education Advisory Board (EAB) has played a significant role in modernizing the admissions process and providing targeted marketing efforts, helping UAF reach high-performing students nationwide.
Vice Chancellor Julie Queen outlined UAF’s approach to funding its major building projects and campus renovations, stressing that each project follows a unique funding strategy. For example, federal funding has already been secured for renovating the childcare facility, and grants are being sought for the Arctic Emergency Services Center. Queen also discussed plans for UAF’s housing projects, noting that the university is exploring public-private partnerships (P3s) where industry partners contribute to construction costs, with UAF providing equity. She also highlighted a significant private gift for the planetarium project. Queen emphasized that the university uses a multi-tiered funding approach, including state support, private donations, grants, and industry partnerships, to realize UAF’s master plan successfully.
Provost Anupma Prakash spoke about UAF’s efforts to modernize its academic programs to stay competitive and align with evolving job market needs. For example, UAF has shifted its energy focus from petroleum engineering to a broader energy resource education that includes both traditional and alternative energy sources. The new Energy Resource Engineering degree reflects this approach. UAF has also introduced a graduate-level Earth System Science program, offering specialized tracks for deeper study. In response to the demand for workforce-focused education, the Community and Technical College (CTC) introduced a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, addressing Alaska’s healthcare workforce needs. These programs demonstrate UAF’s commitment to providing students with relevant education and training that aligns with industry trends.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Laura Conner discussed UAF’s pursuit of R1 status, which would elevate the university’s reputation and increase its attractiveness to top-tier faculty and students. Conner explained that R1 institutions typically experience a boost in enrollment as both undergraduate and graduate students are drawn to the academic rigor and research opportunities they provide. She pointed out that UAF’s research enterprise is already thriving, with research expenditures above the $50 million threshold required for R1 status. She believes achieving this designation would further amplify UAF’s research capabilities and expand its economic and academic influence.
Vice Chancellor Charlene Stern highlighted the importance of the Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center to UAF’s long-term strategic goals. Named after the ridge where UAF sits, “Troth Yeddha” means wild potato plant in Lower Tanana Dene. Stern emphasized that the center, which will serve as a dedicated space for Indigenous education, student services, and research, is UAF’s number one capital priority. The center will build on UAF’s long-standing commitment to Indigenous programming and solidify its leadership in Indigenous and Alaska Native studies on a global scale.
As UAF faces financial uncertainties related to potential federal research funding cuts, White reassured the audience that UAF is actively addressing these challenges. He discussed the uncertainty surrounding potential cuts from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the steps UAF is taking to assess the impact of these changes. UAF is working closely with national organizations like the Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU) to advocate for continued funding and has kept its federal delegation informed. White also emphasized that, while these challenges are significant, UAF’s strong enrollment growth will provide a stable revenue stream and reduce the university’s reliance on state allocations.
Guthrie also discussed how UAF engages students better in understanding their needs and expectations for their university experience. Regular meetings with the Associated Students of UAF (ASUAF) leadership and biannual sessions with the full ASUAF senate provide critical insight into student concerns. Additionally, UAF uses data from EAB to track student behavior and preferences, which helps the university plan for both immediate and long-term needs.
Workforce development remains a key focus for UAF, and both Guthrie and Stern highlighted the university’s efforts to adapt its programs to meet Alaska’s changing workforce needs. Stern shared that CTC has seen success in offering programs like the Law Enforcement Academy, which had a 100% job placement rate for graduates. CTC is also expanding its flexible online programs, including in fields like construction management, to meet the needs of working students.
When asked about UAF’s plans for future construction priorities, Queen reaffirmed that the Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center is UAF’s top capital priority. However, she also pointed out that UAF is simultaneously moving forward with other critical projects, including the childcare facility, housing modernization, and new student services centers. These investments are aimed at supporting enrollment growth, retention, and the overall success of UAF students.
As the university prepares for the FY 26 budget cycle, Queen noted that UAF is closely monitoring legislative funding discussions and will adjust plans as necessary. In the meantime, the university will continue pursuing diverse funding sources and partnerships to support its long-term development goals.
Dan White concluded the discussion by thanking faculty, staff, and students for their commitment to UAF’s vision. He acknowledged the critical role that everyone plays in the university’s success and emphasized that by working together, UAF can overcome challenges and continue to grow and thrive.