William Hensley

College of Business & Public Policy

Visiting Distinguished Professor

whensle2@uaa.alaska.edu

William Hensley, one of the most recognized leaders in Alaska, will work with CBPP throughout the 2011-12 academic year. His primary focus is working with CBPP to design new curriculum centered on Alaska Native business and corporation management, and developing cases that address Native business law and policy issues. He will also teach AK Policy Frontiers (PADM 671) in CBPP's Department of Public Administration.

In addition, Hensley will work with the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) and key university leaders to identify and develop new research opportunities. He will present one public lecture during the academic year.

Hensley was instrumental in the framing of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and has provided leadership in both the public and private sectors in numerous organizations including the Alaska Legislature, the Alaska Federation of Natives and First Alaskans Institute. In recent years, he has mentored other indigenous peoples throughout the world. 

Fifty Miles from Tomorrow, 2010

Through his entire adult life, Hensley's mission has been simple: to ensure the Inupiat are allowed to keep their rights and their land. There are rich details of hunting adventures and typical childhood struggles, but the deep-rooted values and strength of the Inupiat people are what make this work truly sing.