Alumni Spotlight - Tim Stickel

Tim is the Student Services Manager for the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) eLearning & Distance Education department. Tim earned his MBA from UAF in 1993.

Why did you choose to attend UAF?
I took a position with UAF Residence Life and Housing and wanted to continue my education. With great faculty, great students, and a great atmosphere, UAF offered everything I wanted.



Share with us an outstanding teacher or class.
Two of my favorite classes were Managerial Economics with Dr. Greg Goering and Corporate Strategy with Dr. Jim Collins. They were both very challenging courses and professors, but their teaching style really clicked with me.

How did the School of Management (SOM) prepare you for your professional career?
I had plans to become a commodities broker and was offered a broker position in Missouri. I passed on that opportunity to come to Alaska to pursue my MBA and work at the university. It was one of the best decisions of my life. It was in my SOM courses I learned how to value human resources and employee development, monitor financial accounting and manage fiscal operations, set goals and prepare strategic plans. Most importantly, SOM taught me about commitment, perseverance and personable service.

What does being a UAF alumnus mean to you?
Fairbanks and Nanook Nation has been home for 25 years. It means a close community, a premier research institution, top-notch faculty and diverse, committed students. I like the close ties to the community and the state, and a well-respected degree. Nanook Nation is a place where you can write your own story - where individuality is encouraged, diversity is honored and everyone knows your name; friends call me “Stick” by the way.

What keeps you enthusiastic about your career?
Every day is exciting as I not only work with outstanding students, staff and faculty, but right now, I am part of an innovative and dynamic team that is always on the cutting edge. UAF eLearning continues to expand the number of course offerings and add new online degrees each year. It’s an exciting time for UAF as online education is bringing access to others who might not otherwise have the opportunity for higher education.

What's the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success?
People and relationships matter! We don’t always understand the challenges or difficulties a student or staff member is facing when they come to us. So being able to be patient, understanding and willing to help someone through whatever challenge they are experiencing, or leading them to that “aha” teachable moment is inspiring to me.

Snapshot

• What is your favorite breakfast food?  Homemade sausage, egg and cheese bagel. They are a favorite with my kids, as well.


• Dream vacation destination?  Anywhere with warm sun, warm sand, and warm family and friends.


• Book you are currently reading?  "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris.


• Last music download?  Van Morrison, Zac Brown Band and James Taylor.

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