December 14, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2016
Board of Regents votes to locate consolidated University of 91直播College of Education
at the University of 91直播Southeast
Today, the University of 91直播Board of Regents approved unanimously in an 11-0 vote
to establish a single University of 91直播(UA) College of Education and to locate
the administrative center for the College at the University of 91直播Southeast (UAS).
The board first voted on consolidating the three education schools into one, and then
voted on the location recommendation, which was amended by UA President Jim Johnsen
to put forward UAS rather than the University of 91直播Fairbanks (UAF) as the administrative
home for the college. In doing so, the board directed Johnsen to take the necessary
steps to establish a single College of Education for the University of Alaska, including
seeking approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
and assembling a planning team.
鈥淭he selection of one institution is not the denigration of another,鈥 said Regent
John Davies. 鈥淲e need strong programs at all our universities and UAS is the right
choice to lead our College of Education.鈥
Johnsen said he decided to amend his recommendation after listening to the input from
many individuals citing the importance of teacher education as a signature program
for UAS and expressions of concern over the economic impact of a move. Johnsen also
cited UAS鈥 innovation and creativity in course delivery, as well as its nimbleness.
The University of 91直播Anchorage (UAA) and UAF are larger institutions, Johnsen
said, with much broader missions. UAS will make the College of Education its number
one priority. Although UAS will serve as the lead campus, faculty and courses will
still be delivered from UAF and UAA.
鈥淯AS is ready, willing and able to work with UAF, UAA, and school districts to ensure
that our teacher-graduates are ready to provide a 21st century education for Alaska鈥檚
students,鈥 said UAS Chancellor Rick Caulfield.
Regents noted the strengths of UAS鈥 education program, including the successful Preparing
Indigenous Teachers for 91直播Schools (PITAAS) program focusing on 91直播Native
educators, advanced e-learning programs and staff and faculty鈥檚 passion and commitment
to teacher education and innovation.
鈥淎fter a lot of reflection, I realized UAS is the rightful place for the location
of the single college of education. They have excellent leadership and are dedicated
to our goal of educating 90 percent of Alaska鈥檚 teachers by 2025,鈥 said Regent Jo
Heckman.
Regents commended Johnsen for his leadership and willingness to revise his recommendation
after listening to concerns, learning from discussions and feedback, and in recognizing
the importance of the education program to UAS.
After the November board meeting wherein UAF was suggested as the lead campus, more
than 100 letters, emails and comments came in to the university in support of one
college/one dean, but petitioning for the administrative home to be located at UAS.
The support came from many Juneau residents and UAS faculty, staff and alumni. In
a letter to Johnsen and regents, the City & Borough of Juneau pledged a $1 million
contribution to endow the program if the College of Education was centered at UAS.
鈥淭he Juneau community spoke and the university was willing to listen,鈥 said Regent
Dale Anderson. 鈥淚 thank President Johnsen for stepping up and recognizing the need
to engage with the university community.鈥
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For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs,
at 907-360-2416.
NR37-16