Sept. 19, 2022

Dear UAF faculty and staff,

I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Emeritus Professor Jenny Bell-Jones. Bell-Jones spent 17 years with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, initially teaching as an adjunct professor for the welding program, then advancing her own education through the Paralegal Studies and Rural Development programs before becoming a faculty member in the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development.

Bell-Jones, who also served the community as a dedicated volunteer for the Festival of Native Arts and the Effie Kokrine Charter School among many other activities, joined UAF in 1999. As a faculty member, and later as chair of the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development, she developed many new courses and revitalized the curriculum to encompass current issues in rural Alaska.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this loss, please don’t struggle alone. Free help is available.

Employees are eligible for free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-993-7650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

— Dan White, chancellor