College of Health, Office of the Dean

Message from the College of Health Dean Jeff Jessee

In order to meet Alaska's growing healthcare workforce demands, the Board of Regents has set a statewide goal of doubling the number of health graduates by 2025. Achieving this will grow Alaska's own, putting them to work meeting the workforce needs of employers, reducing their employment costs and lowering health care costs overall. The three Universities within the University of Alaska system and all of their community campuses are essential parts of and contribute to this effort. The University of Alaska is well positioned to make this effort a success as campuses across the state are already graduating a broad array of health care professionals.

Many of these programs also offer advanced degrees enabling graduates to continue to develop in their professions over time. In addition, robust and growing faculty and student research at both the graduate and undergraduate levels help policy makers address the many health care challenges Alaska faces. By building on this strong foundation and expanding programs across the state, we will meet the challenge set by the Board of Regents.

The UAA College of Health is leading the statewide health program planning. Our job is to strengthen intercampus collaboration, support all campuses in identifying opportunities for growth, and provide assistance to achieve desired outcomes. This coordination and technical assistance role will support and reinforce the existing reporting lines and other aspects of health programs delivered by the University of Alaska campuses. By listening to our industry partners, together we will grow our own and give Alaskans the skills and opportunities they need to have successful careers in the health care field.

We are proud of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, who are making important contributions to Alaska's future. We look forward to welcoming our future students and helping them to succeed in whatever health care role they choose.