Events and Highlights

COH student commencement speaker Maisha Chowdhury: "Believe in yourself and show up"

Maisha Chowdhury stands in front of a wall of windows on in the University's Spine. She is wearing a white patterned dress and smiling at the camera.

Health sciences major and psychology minor Maisha Chowdhury describes choosing to attend UAA as the best decision of her life (so far) and for making her the person she is today. The fall 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker hopes her own journey inspires others to take risks and follow their passion.

Alaska legislature staff visit ACFTA awareness event

ACFTA team members Joanne Wiita, Angelia Trujillo, and Kathi Trawver stand in front of a mosaic, smiling.

On Nov. 13, the College of Health hosted a legislative event highlighting the Alaska Comprehensive Forensic Training Academy (ACFTA) in the Health Sciences Building. Co-led by Nursing Professor Angelia Trujillo, D.N.P., and Social Work Professor Kathi Trawver, Ph.D., the event brought together health care professionals, community partners, and legislators to learn more about ACFTA’s mission.

Kinesiology major Elaina Mack shatters Seawolf record in rout over Northwest

Elaina Mack wears her UAA jersey (#20) and stands holding the Alaska State Flag by the upper corners behind her back.

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.

UAA College of Health Kicks Off 2025–2026 Interprofessional Education Series on “A Lived Experience with Disabilities”

Panelists connect via Zoom during the “A Lived Experience with Disabilities” session, offering personal testimonies and professional insights that helped students better understand the realities and opportunities within disability-related care.

Recently, on November 7, the UAA College of Health’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee launched its 2025–2026 event series with a session focused on “A Lived Experience with Disabilities.”

Provost Denise Runge announces Dr. Jay Butler as new dean for UAA College of Health

Dr. Jay Butler wears a suit and smiles at the camera against a dark gray backdrop.

Dr. Jay Butler has been selected as the next dean for the College of Health following a months-long search. He brings decades of public health leadership experience in Alaska and nationally.

UAA Justice Center turns 50 – and receives a special award

Assistant Dean Brad Myrstol, Representative Andy Josephson, Chancellor Cheryl Siemers, and Senator Matt Claman stand side by side in front of a podium in the Havelock Simulation courtroom. Myrstol is holding the framed legislative citation.

The UAA Justice Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special legislative citation presented by Alaska state legislators. The citation recognized decades of impactful research, education, and public service in Alaska.

Keeping smiles healthy: UAA promotes good dental hygiene with annual event

A dental hygiene student wearing a green long-sleeved scrub top, surgical mask, headband, and gloves prepares to floss a young child wearing a Halloween shirt and dental bib with a dinosaur on it.

At the fifth annual Cares for Kids event, dental hygiene students provided free dental care to children ages 3-17 while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Serving up appreciation: volleyball athletes honor COH faculty on the court

Volleyball athletes in green jerseys stand on the court next to faculty.

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.

Alaska AHEC Celebrates 20 Years of Impact with Legislative Citation

The Alaska Area Health Education Center (AHEC) team gathered to celebrate receiving a Legislative Citation from the Alaska Legislature, honoring 20 years of dedicated work. The recognition celebrates AHEC’s crucial role in strengthening the state’s health care workforce and promoting health equity across Alaska. (Photo by Kevin Bennett, UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce)

Oct. 3, 2025, was a big day for the Alaska Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is proudly housed within the UAA College of Health! AHEC marked its 20th anniversary with a special legislative citation from the Alaska State Legislature—a well-deserved recognition for two decades of crucial work.

UAA unveils state-of-the-art building to strengthen Alaska’s health care workforce

UA President Pat Pitney and Regent Christine Resler cut the ribbon for the newly renovated Sally Monserud Hall during the celebration of UAA's Health Workforce Expansion Project.

The UAA College of Health proudly celebrated the recent renovation of Sally Monserud Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony showcasing the new high-tech labs and simulation center, expanded allied health programs, growth of the WWAMI program and critical partnerships addressing Alaska’s growing health care needs.
College of Health News Archive