From the Chancellor

We’re Alaska’s largest and most accessible public university, and we take that responsibility to heart. What makes UAA special is our dual mission. We offer the academic excellence of a four-year university with hands-on, career-focused training. That means whether you’re just starting out, changing careers or coming back to school after some time away, we’re ready to meet you where you are.

Our campuses across Southcentral Alaska — including Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) and Mat-Su College — are vibrant hubs of opportunity. In fact, enrollment at KPC has grown by more than 60% in just three years. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of listening to our students, adapting to their needs and delivering education that’s flexible, affordable and relevant.

At UAA, we’re deeply connected to the industries that drive Alaska’s economy — health care, construction, IT, aviation, education and more. Our faculty bring real-world experience into the classroom, and our programs are designed in partnership with local employers. That means when you graduate, you’re not just ready for a job, you’re ready for a meaningful career.

But more than anything, UAA is a community. We serve learners of all ages and backgrounds — high school students in dual-enrollment programs, working parents juggling jobs and classes, and first-generation college students blazing a trail for their families. Our students are welders and writers, paramedics and programmers, caregivers and creators. They are the future of Alaska, and we are honored to walk alongside them.

In a world that’s changing fast, UAA is a steady, supportive partner. We’re investing in student success at every stage, from recruitment to graduation, by simplifying processes, expanding support services and removing barriers. Because we know that choosing UAA isn’t just about starting college, it’s about finishing strong.

So if you’re wondering whether now is the right time, or whether UAA is the right place, let me say this: you belong here.

Stay close. Go far. Let’s build your future together!

With gratitude,