History

In July 2002 a group of deans and directors from the University of Alaska system sat down to a day-long meeting in Fairbanks. Called together by the Associate Vice President for Health Programs, this group represented the major university units in the system, all of which offered some level of programming in allied health. These educational leaders saw a need to establish a collaborative network bridging the administrative gaps between the three units – the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast – in order to provide a more considered, coordinated array of offerings for the residents of the state.   To serve as a cross-campus University of Alaska task force to identify issues concerning allied health programs in the system statewide, and to work collaboratively to resolve problems and make future plans. This task force meets quarterly.  Participants include deans, directors, and faculty from all three University of Alaska campuses.

Alliance members believe there is a need for the University to respond to industry regarding plans for allied health professional education as one organization, and also that there should be a coordinated approach to industry to solicit feedback to help prioritize programs for development. The Alliance will serve that purpose.