Charlene Stern

Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community and Native Education

Charlene Stern was named vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education in December 2021 after having served as interim vice chancellor starting in January 2021. She has taught in UAF’s Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development since 2014.

Stern holds a bachelor’s degree in American cultural studies from Western Washington University, a master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico, and a doctorate in Indigenous studies from UAF.

Before joining UAF, Stern worked as a rural planner providing technical assistance to tribal and municipal governments in Alaska.

Stern grew up in Fairbanks and Arctic Village. She is an enrolled member of the Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government.