This summer the University of Alaska Anchorage was accepted as a member institution of the University of the Arctic.  UAA joins UArctic members which include the University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Washington, Dartmouth College, University of Winnipeg, University of Tromso, University of Alberta, University of Lapland, Stockholm University and many other universities, colleges and organizations committed to higher education and research in the North. Through our shared resources and expertise we will better be able to address the unique challenges of our northern region. To learn more about the UArctic, its members, and its programs go to www.uarctic.org/Frontpage.aspx?m=3

This month I was privileged to represent UAA on an Arctic Expedition to see firsthand the rapid rate of change in the high arctic. The educational expedition, by invitation only, included global climate experts and Arctic specialists along with leaders of industry, government, culture, religion and philanthropy. I was invited as a member of the Aspen Institute’s Dialogue and Commission on Climate Change. Commission members include Prince Albert II of Monaco; Frances Beinecke, Executive Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Sylvia Earle, Explorer in Residence from National Geographic; James Leape, Director General of the World Wildlife Fund International; Thomas E. Lovejoy, President of The Heinz Center; Jane Lubchenco, Wayne and Gladys Valley Professor of Marine Biology and Distinguished Professor of Zoology at Oregon State University; Lee McIntire, President and Chief Operating Officer, CH2M HILL; Marvin Odum, President of Shell Oil Company; and Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Inuit Advocate. During the expedition I accepted the position of interim chair of the commission and am honored to provide this service on behalf of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Click here for more information on the commission, including its mission and goals.

Although we traveled in the middle of July, the trip through the waters around Svalbard, Norway kept us in parkas, hats and gloves with temperatures mostly in the 40s. Organized by Lindblad Expeditions, the National Geographic Society and the Aspen Institute, the expedition was designed to encourage open discussion and a free exchange of ideas. We listened to scientists explain their research on glaciers, polar bears, and climate change. Entrepreneurs discussed the business success in new energy technologies and economists described the experience that other countries have had with cap and trade systems. To learn more about the expedition and read a statement issued by members go to: www.expeditions.com/climateaction.

Once again, UAA has been ranked as one of the top producers of Native American degree recipients across the nation in the 2008 "Top 100 Degree Producers" report published in "Diverse Issues in Higher Education". UAA ranked in the top 10 for the 2006-07 academic year for Native undergraduate degrees with a 6th place for health professions and related clinical services (7th place last year), an 8th place for psychology, and a 9th place for engineering (29th place last year). UAA also placed in the top 50 in five other undergraduate or graduate degree categories. This is terrific and we will continue to work to make UAA a place that supports our Native American students.