ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ

Dr. Jessica Black

Associate Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community & Native Education

Rural, Community and Native Education (CRCD)

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Dr. Jessica Black (she/her) is Gwich’in from the villages of Gwichyaa Zhee (Ft. Yukon) and Toghotthele (Nenana), ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ. Dr. Black currently serves as an Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Professor in the College of Rural and Community Development at the University of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ Fairbanks. Dr. Black received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ and her master’s degree and PhD in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Her dissertation and current research examine the relationship between governance and well-being among ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ Native peoples, especially as it pertains to Tribal Stewardship and Cultural Connectivity.

As Associate Vice Chancellor of CRCD Dr. Black helps to elevate and support the work of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ Success Initiative, the building out of the Indigenous Studies Center, and the priorities of the Vice Chancellor of CRCD.

In September 2023, the Unviersity of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ Foundation Board of Directors awarded Dr. Black the 2023 Bullock Prize in recognition of her service to the University of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ system. The Bullock Prize is awarded annually to a member of the university community in recognition that a truly great university grows as a result of personal commitments to excellence. The Prize is the most prestigious award presented by the UA Foundation each year.

Jessica resides in Fairbanks, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ with her family, however, she frequently returns home to Gwichyaa Zhee to hunt, fish, gather and engage in other, important cultural practices.