Dean's Dispatch Issue 12

Dean's Dispatch Header

December 2024, Issue 12

Dear Alumni and Friends,

In our last issue of 2024, we focus on programs in the Social Sciences and conclude our year of highlighting the four main areas of the College of Arts and Sciences. In the College, we are committed to supporting our community in positive and meaningful ways, and this is especially true in the social sciences. We highlight here the disciplines in the social sciences, but more directly how our faculty, students, alumni and programs are making a significant impact by addressing some of the most pressing issues in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ.

In our faculty spotlight, we sat down with Dr. Joseph Warren, a new faculty member in the Political Science Department. One of Dr. Warren’s projects involves working with an undergraduate student to explore housing and homelessness policies in Anchorage.  Taylor Heckart, our student spotlight, has aspirations of becoming a journalist in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, and in her interview, she discusses the impact and importance of local journalism. Her pursuit of a minor in Political Science and involvement in the Model United Nations of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ program are a perfect complement to her career goals. In our alumni spotlight, Jake Anders reflects on his academic experiences at UAA and explains how, as an applied anthropologist in Cultural Resources Management, he now provides internship opportunities for UAA Anthropology students at DOWL. 

Taylor Heckart photo

Psychological Services Center

Not only do our students and faculty aim to strengthen our relationships with our community by addressing local needs, but our programming does as well. Our new MS in School Psychology degree, the only in-state, was developed in partnerships with school districts throughout Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ to ensure that our graduates will meet our state needs and will have a lasting impact on their respective communities. 

In recent years, the College has concentrated on expanding partnerships and better engaging with the community. These activities benefit our students and positively impact our community.  None of this would be possible without the support of the community and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. I hope you connect with the College in the new year. Whether you attend our Community Lecture Series, enroll your student in our CAS Summer Camp, join our Friends of the Arts program, take a class, fund a scholarship, or help a friend or family member become a future Seawolf, your involvement is valued. As I reflect on the last year, I am grateful for all the people I have worked with. Together, we are accomplishing the mission of our college by transforming lives for today and tomorrow, and in the process making Anchorage, and Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, a better place to live. Thank you. Best wishes for the new year. 

Best, 

Dr. Jenny McNulty, Dean

Taylor Heckart Photo

Student Spotlight: 
Taylor Heckart
Journalism and Public Communications
 
“I think one of the benefits of UAA is it walks the line between a small college and a big college in a really nice way. You're able to have smaller class sizes, and get to know your professors, who are professionals, who care about you. There are opportunities to make friends, to get involved, and to get an education. UAA was a really great choice for me because I was able to get that one-on-one with professors in my program and that really set me up for success." Taylor Heckart discusses her time at UAA, her plans after graduation, and her experiences outside of the classroom.
 

Sharon EmmerichsFaculty Spotlight: 
Joseph Warren
Political Science

“I've been overall very impressed with the students here. I have the same expectations of students here that I had of students at Berkeley and generally UAA students have met and even exceeded my expectations. Part of my goal as an instructor is to try to provide the same opportunity to engage in seminar discussions that I had attending a small liberal arts college and to really drill down into ideas in political science." Professor Joseph Warren talked to us about his research, his involvement in the Anchorage community, and his time working with UAA students.
 

Psychology Services PhotoCAS Spotlight: 
Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist 

The Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist is a new graduate program that prepares specialist-level school psychologists who are committed to culturally affirming, equitable, and comprehensive school psychology services in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Graduates will gain knowledge and experience in effective, evidence-based, and culturally informed assessment, intervention, consultation, and mental health practices that promote the well-being of all children and youth.

Jake Anders photo

Alumni Spotlight: 
Jake Anders
 

“There is a strong and lasting legacy in the state of UAA anthropology graduates who continue to shape the practice of Cultural Resources Management in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. UAA continues to produce high-quality graduates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about a career in Cultural Resource Management to contact the UAA anthropology department for additional information and current course offerings." Jake Anders discussed his time at UAA, the internship opportunities at DOWL, and his current role with DOWL. 

Events for Issue Twelve