Message from President Johnsen

Welcome to the University of Alaska. Our mission is to inspire learning, and advance and disseminate knowledge through expert teaching, world-class research, and widespread public service. We carry out our mission with a clear eye on academic excellence, wide access, and cost effectiveness.

Our students enjoy the opportunity to study a vast range of subjects and to prepare for bright futures. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to our students’ success, whether in the classroom, in a laboratory, on a research ship, or at a rocket range. Our graduates enjoy tremendous career and advanced study opportunities here in Alaska and beyond. We take pride in advancing knowledge, preparing a highly skilled workforce, contributing to a more diversified economy, and celebrating the many traditions that come together in our state.

The University has come a long way in its first century. From its founding in 1917, to the comprehensive system of colleges and universities across Alaska we see today, the University has played a key role in building our great state. We are proud to celebrate a century of service to Alaska and our nation. As we look forward to a new century, we will surely face many challenges. But rest assured we will face those challenges and pursue our opportunities with strength and courage drawn from Alaska’s diverse and resilient people, unparalleled natural beauty and resources, and growing global importance as America’s Arctic state.

The University—and the highly dedicated faculty and staff I have the privilege to work alongside--welcomes you.  Whether you are a student preparing for a job in one of our growing industries or to pursue a graduate degree, an employer looking to build your workforce, a policy maker seeking solutions to tough problems, an alumni wanting to make a difference by supporting your university, or a business seeking opportunities for economic development, we look forward to serving you.

James R. Johnsen
President