April 16, 2013
UA Regents meeting in Sitka highlights fisheries, art and distance delivery
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2013
SITKA— The University of Ӱԭ Board of Regents concluded a two-day meeting at the
University of Ӱԭ Sitka Campus on a strong note after two days filled with fisheries
and maritime information, testimonies on the impact of the campus on the community
and a fond farewell to Mari Freitag, student regent.
During public testimony Sitka residents, students and faculty testified in support
of the varied programs offered through campus involving the fisheries and maritime
industry, arts, construction and health care. Many who testified offered personal
thoughts and stories about the impact of the local campus to the town and region of
about 9,000 residents.
General Manager for the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association Steve
Reifenstuhl spoke passionately about a career field he has spent his life working
in. “The fisheries, seafood, and maritime industries, with over 70,000 jobs, offer
our children and citizens an exciting career path. With the right education, this
career path can be a lucrative one—whether in reefer repair or fisheries research.
I believe we can tell this story in a way that will invite greater participation within
Ӱԭ.”
“The success of our faculty in high-tech distance instruction is leading the way for
the whole UA family,” said Campus Director, Jeff Johnston. "New programs in fisheries
management and law enforcement synthesize best practices and meet critical statewide
needs. The Sitka Campus has emerged as a healthcare education magnet and with regional
partners, a practical center for promoting economic development and environmental
research.”
The board approved formal project approvals for the University of Ӱԭ Anchorage
Health Campus Pedestrian Bridge; a project change request on UAA’s MAC Housing Renewal;
a project change request for Ӱԭ’s Margaret Murie Life Sciences Research and Teaching
Facility; adoption of a UAS Campus Master Plan; approval of a revision to Regents’
Policy 05.12.040 on Capital Project Development; and an audit department name change.
The decision on whether to increase tuition for Fairbanks students enrolled in business
management courses was postponed to next meeting, which will be held in Fairbanks
on June 6-7, 2013. The proposal to introduce “differential tuition” for University
of Ӱԭ Fairbanks School of Management was made to address projected budget shortfalls
in the department.
Student Regent Mari Freitag enjoyed her last meeting with the board and received a
resolution of appreciation outlining her life and college career. The regents also
stood in standing applause in recognition of her outstanding efforts in representation
of the UA student body.
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For more information, call Kate Wattum at 907/450-8102, kewattum@alaska.edu.
NR05-13