Faculty

• Cameron Nay
  

  Cameron Nay, M.S.

  cgnay@alaska.edu
  (907) 786-6918
  LIB 106-G

  My 6-word Story: Former zookeeper now runs people zoo. 

  I love helping people learn, whether that be new students entering UAA or pointing erratically at a flitting bird and yelling its name to annoy friends. 

  I am originally from Gunnison, Utah, a rural town surrounded by mountains and deserts. As such, I grew up loving mountains, snow, animals, ecosystems, human dynamics, helping people and learning about other places/cultures. I grew up beekeeping, working on a dairy farm, and as a veterinary technician in my small town. During college I worked on campus and also at the city’s small zoo as a zookeeper. As much as I love working with animals and nature, I found out quickly that I also love working with people. 

  After graduating and leaving my small hometown, I have lived in Portugal, the North Cascades of Washington, the Big Island of Hawaii, and now Alaska for the past 15 years. 

  I was a peer advisor while attending University and realized very quickly how passionate I was in helping students navigate their college experience and reach their goals. Since then I have worked in higher education continuously and am the Executive Director of the UAA Learning Commons, where free tutoring and academic coaching resides. I love my job! The department I oversee helps students navigate their coursework and difficult concepts so that they can reach their goals. Being a ‘helper’ is a rewarding experience for all of us in the Learning Commons.

  Teaching UNIV is one of the highlights of my year! I enjoy helping students adjust to attending the university and try to offer pro-tips that should help any student feel less anxious about attending college and excited about tackling their dreams. 

  Education:
  A.S. Associate of Science - Snow College
  B.S. Conservation and Restoration Ecology - Utah State University
  M.S. Human Dimensions of Management and Natural Resources - Utah State University

   

• Marsha Olson
  

  Marsha Olson, M.A. 

  maschirack@alaska.edu
  (907) 786-4398
  NSB 203

  Avid runner, nacho connoisseur, communication nerd.

  There is nothing I love more than talking about all things relationship dynamics. Not just because I like getting all the tea, but because I love working to understand all about how and why humans communicate in the ways they do. 

  My fascination with human behavior led me to study communication, which led to my role as a faculty member. I’ve been a full-time faculty member at UAA since 2010. I love teaching classes that help students build confidence in every area of communication—from interpersonal relationships to public speaking. The best feedback I’ve received is from students sharing they feel more capable of speaking up for themselves, whether that is in a relationship, classroom, or at work. Within the University Studies courses, I really enjoy helping students to build confidence and organizational skills that will serve them well throughout their time in higher edu and beyond. 

  In addition to teaching Communication and University Studies courses, I’ve worked with UAA staff to develop leadership resources for employees. I also consult with local organizations to support public speaking workshops and communication trainings. 

  I’m a lifelong Alaskan. I grew up on my family’s farm in Wasilla, headed to Fairbanks for college (and to play basketball for the Nanooks!), and now live in West Anchorage. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me running with my husky mix, watching bad reality TV, attending concerts, or learning to knit. 

  Education:
  B.A. Communication, Minor in Art - University of Alaska Fairbanks
  M.A. Professional Communication - University of Alaska Fairbanks

   

• Solveig Pedersen
  

  Solveig Pedersen, M.A.

  sepedersen@alaska.edu
  (907) 786-7627

  Hi there! My name is Solveig Pedersen (she/her). I grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the midnight sun, the aurora, and a family and community that taught me the value of kindness, connection, and an appreciation for nature and the world. Those early experiences shape so much of who I am as a teacher and a human.

  I’ve been teaching Communication and University Studies courses since 2006, and teaching remains a passion for me. I love creating classrooms where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow in their own way.

  I hold a Master’s degree in Professional Communication, and my graduate research explored how people understand and communicate about nonviolence. That work and my experiences traveling and living in other countries have influenced my worldview, and I still consider myself a peace educator. I’m someone who believes that compassion, curiosity, and intentional communication can change both our relationships and our communities.

  Alongside my academic work, I’m a Certified Professional Life Coach and the founder of a life coaching company. This coaching lens informs my teaching every day, as does my experience as an entrepreneur. I love helping students find their voice, build confidence, recognize the strengths they already carry, learn and grow, and find ways to share their light in the world.

  Whether I’m teaching communication skills, supporting first-year students, or leading a personal development workshop, my intention is to create courageous, caring spaces where people can learn, explore, and become who they want to be.

  When I’m not working, I’m probably off traveling the world, wandering in the woods with my dog, cooking something cozy, gardening, reading, writing, or spending time with loved ones. 

  Education:
  B.A. Journalism (Public Relations), Minor in Spanish - University of Alaska Fairbanks
  M.A. Professional Communication - University of Alaska Fairbanks