Bartlett began her career at UAF in 1974 as coordinator of a child welfare training grant with the psychology and sociology department. She's held a number of other positions with UAF and the University of Alaska statewide system including director of the statewide Elderhostel program and dean of continuing education with what was then known as the Tanana Valley Community College.

For 13 years, Bartlett owned and managed Maiden Alaska, a company that designs, develops and conducts comprehensive study tours of Alaska and Canada for non-profit educational institutions.

She enjoys her four granddaughters, scuba diving and traveling the world.