Alumni

COH graduate student commencement speaker Stacy Brunquist: Special delivery

Stacy Brunquist stands in front of a wall of windows in the UAA Spine. She is wearing a pink and white patterned shirt and smiling at the camera.

As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the UAA School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the fall Class of 2025 Stacy Brunquist weaves education into everything she does — training new caregivers, guiding parents learning to care for their newborns, and sharing knowledge with professionals from Utqiaġvik to Sitka.

Alumni Spotlight: Rus'sel Sampson - bridging policy and practice

Rus'sel Sampson wears glasses and smiles at the camera.

A College of Health alumna and current employee of the Alaska Justice Information Center, Rus’sel Sampson has had a rich educational and professional journey. Her story exemplifies how a sense of curiosity in higher education can open unexpected doors that lead to meaningful careers.

Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Alcorn - from nursing student to business owner

Kristen Alcorn is wearing aviator sunglasses, a colorful head scarf, and blue scrubs. She is standing outside in front of a dusty white SUV labeled "Ambulance."

School of Nursing alumna Kristen Alcorn turned clinical expertise into entrepreneurial success. In this spotlight, Kristen shares a few of the experiences that shaped her journey in nursing, the things she loves about her job, and how her education at UAA helped her achieve her goals.

Alaska WWAMI alumna Dr. Amanda Beery: championing education and mentorship in women's health

Amanda Beery stands behind an exam table with her hands on a pregnant patient's stomach. She is laughing and smiling at the patient.

Amanda Beery, MD, is not only providing care for women of all ages; she’s also shaping the next generation of physicians. A full-time OB/GYN and managing partner at Alaska Women’s Health, she is equally proud to call herself an Alaska WWAMI alum and medical educator.

Alumni Spotlight: Darrel Foister Jr. – Serving Alaska as a Nurse Practitioner

Darrel Foister Jr. professional photo

Darrel Foister Jr., School of Nursing alum and military veteran, now serves Alaska communities as a family nurse practitioner.

Seeking Neighborly Advice

Mariah Seater

Over the course of 18 months, Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar and public health practice alumna Mariah Seater will be traveling to Iceland to research family justice centers in the Arctic with the hopes of applying her findings to Alaska communities.

Alumni Spotlight: By Thao - Top Forty Under Forty recipient

By Thao, MPH alumna

Division of Population Health Sciences alumna By Thao has been named one of Alaska’s 2025 Top Forty Under 40.

Alumni Spotlight: Jailyn Hitchings- First generation college graduate and nurse

School of Nursing Student Jailyn Hitchings giving a poster presentation

School of Nursing alumna Jailyn Hitchings reflects on her time at UAA and her new role as a registered nurse at Alaska Regional Hospital.

Alumni Spotlight: Melanie Baca Osborne- ATHENA Society inductee

UAA alum Melanie Osborne receiving her Anchorage ATHENA Society award

UAA Justice Center alumna Melanie Osborne has been inducted into the Anchorage ATHENA Society, recognizing her professional excellence, community contributions, and commitment to empowering women.

Alumni Spotlight: Savannah Ivanoff - Improving health outcomes through clinical pharmacy

Savannah Ivanoff wearing traditional Alaska Native clothing in Unalakleet

Savannah Ivanoff, a UAA Division of Population Health Sciences alumna, fondly remembers the supportive environment at UAA as she now pursues her Doctor of Pharmacy.

College of Health News Archive