Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome back to a new academic year at the College of Health. I am honored to be serving as your interim dean, and I want to take the opportunity to share my excitement about what lies ahead and extend a warm welcome to all of you, whether you’re returning or joining our college community for the first time.

For those returning, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the resilience and dedication you have shown during the academic year 2024-2025. This past year has been a transformative one for our college, and as we step into this new academic year together, we have the unique opportunity to continue building on the strength of our university and college camaraderie and the commitment of our community partners.

I am truly proud to work alongside each of you who bring such dedication, passion, and expertise to our mission, which is, “UAA College of Health advances the health and well-being of people and communities in Alaska and abroad through high-impact education, research, and community service.” Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare professionals and leaders who will have a lasting impact on the well-being of their home communities, Alaska, and beyond.

This year, I am particularly excited about how we will focus on innovation, equity, and collaboration. The field of health is constantly evolving, and our college stands at the forefront of these changes. Whether it’s new curriculum development, celebrating partnerships, interdisciplinary research opportunities, or expanding our outreach into Alaskan communities, we have a lot to look forward to.

And as we step into this academic year, I am reminded of the power of collaboration and partnerships. The work we do in the College of Health, whether it’s teaching, learning, conducting research, or providing vital services, is rooted in the understanding that our collective effort drives change. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students, Alaska communities, and health professions.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage each of you to engage in the many opportunities for growth and connection that await. Let’s remain committed to supporting one another, upholding the core values of the college, and maintaining the high standards that make UAA the Alaska leader in health education. My primary goal this year is to support each of you in realizing your potential and achieving your aspirations.

To our UAA Seawolves students, I encourage you to approach this year with curiosity and passion. The journey ahead is an exciting one, filled with opportunities to deepen your knowledge, build relationships and lifelong friends, and grow into the leaders of Alaska’s health field.

To our faculty and staff, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for everything you will do in the months ahead. Thank you in advance for your hard work, your passion for teaching and learning, and your steadfast support of our students and one another. I look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish this year and beyond.

Wishing you a productive, fulfilling, and inspiring academic year for all of us.

With deep respect and appreciation,

Kathy Craft, Interim Dean