Della Keats is a four (4) week, residential program for high school students on the
UAA Anchorage campus. This program is fully funded, including travel, food, and accommodations.
Students will experience university residential life, complete health science-related
pre-college coursework, carry out health-related research projects, and complete at
least four different medical or health care professional job shadows.
Named after Della Keats, an Alaska Native Inupiaq traditional healer from the Kotzebue
region. Della Keats provided both educational and medical services to her people throughout
her life, and believed strongly in the importance of expanding, maintaining, and sharing
medical knowledge in ways that would benefit both Alaska Native people and the broader
Alaskan community. The Della Keats Program is administered by the UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education (Alaska WWAMI).
Monica Roe has built a remarkable career that bridges rural health care and children’s literature, drawing on her decade of experience as a physical therapist in remote Alaska. Now completing her Master of Public Health at UAA, she explores disability, community resilience, and access through both research and storytelling. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Alaska Public Health Association Summit’s annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Alaska’s public health landscape.
Master of Nursing Education and Leadership student Wendy DeGraffenried reflects on her educational and professional journey. As a school nurse and adjunct instructor, Wendy found her passion in mentoring other nursing professionals – something that she hopes to carry forward with her as she starts a new chapter.
Elaina Mack, a senior kinesiology major from King Cove, broke school records with 10 successful three-point shots in the Seawolves game against Northwest U. Mack scored a total of 41 points over the course of the game.
On September 27, the women’s volleyball team invited faculty to join them on the court for Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night. Among the honorees were four standout educators from the College of Health, each nominated by students.
