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As we are all aware, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ is at a pivotal moment. Industries are evolving, job requirements are shifting and communities are facing changing economic pressures. The path from education to career is no longer straightforward. Our students balance work, family and education, and traditional educational models don’t always fit their needs.

UAA's role as a dual-mission university is more important than ever. are those that focus on access and affordability, combine technical and short-term training with traditional bachelor’s and graduate programs, whose research efforts are primarily focused on practical needs in the regions they serve, and who rely upon deep and mutually beneficial partnerships. As part of this work, UAA provides flexible pathways for students to advance their education, gain transferable skills and build their futures step by step.

At dual-mission universities like ours, education is not a one-time event but a lifelong resource. A student can start with a certificate or associate degree, enter the workforce and return later to build on those credentials. This approach doesn’t just reflect individual needs — it’s necessary to meet Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Creating these pathways requires more than program design. Across departments and at each of our campuses, we are working to improve internal processes and making thoughtful changes to how we support students and faculty. Whether that means streamlining administrative processes or creating better support systems on individual campuses, the goal is to remove barriers so students can focus on learning and growth.

Our faculty and staff are central to this mission. Many faculty come to us directly from industry, while others come through a traditional path from graduate school. Either way, their expertise and dedication drive UAA’s success and help guide decisions about how we can improve as an institution. By working together, we can ensure that UAA  continues to meet the needs of our state and beyond.

We also know collaboration extends beyond our campus walls. As a Carnegie Community Engaged institution, UAA partners with dozens of local organizations to ensure students gain hands-on skills to succeed in their careers and lives. As Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s economy continues to evolve, these partnerships will be critical in addressing workforce shortages and creating opportunities for all Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æns.

On Feb. 28, UAA will hold an accreditation forum. We invite students, faculty, staff and community members to join this conversation. This is an opportunity to help shape UAA’s future. We want to ensure all voices are heard as we strive to be the best university we can be for the people of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ and the Arctic region. Together, we need to make decisions about how UAA can best meet the needs of our students and our region in the years ahead.

Education in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ is about more than degrees. It’s about making sure that every student, regardless of background, can access opportunities to succeed. By creating pathways that allow students to start, pause and restart their educational journeys, UAA is doing its part to meet that responsibility. However, success depends on the input and support of the entire community. Together, we can build an institution that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all of our communities.