Academics: Celebrations and gratitude

UAF faculty pause for a photo with Provost Prakash before a commencement ceremony.

May 1, 2024

— By Anupma Prakash, provost and executive vice chancellor

As we wrap up one more academic year and celebrate the successes of our graduating students during UAF’s 102nd commencement, I want to recognize the tremendous amount of work that goes on to provide a quality education and experience to every student. Every individual’s work at the university, directly or indirectly, contributes to the powerful academic engine that in turn contributes to student success.

Thank you to our hardworking staff who build and oversee our facilities, keep our students safe, feed the students, take care of their IT needs, and their psychological well-being. Thank you to those who recruit, advise, register, counsel, and support our student’s journey in other ways. Your kindness and care is the reason that some students are able to pursue the journey they set forth for themselves.

I want to take this moment to extend a special thanks to our faculty. UAF’s greatness rests with the talents and accomplishments of our faculty. We are blessed to have world-class faculty who engage in innovative research, scholarship, and creative work. Through their knowledge and work, our faculty supports and inspires inquiry in the classroom, the field, and the studio. I am grateful for all you do and I celebrate you, your accomplishments, and your contributions that provide the highest quality education and experience to our students, and make UAF great in many other ways.

Many of our faculty serve on prominent professional boards and committees, receive international and national recognition, and are celebrated by external organizations, bringing broader recognition of UAF’s expertise. I thank you for these impactful services. Please continue to share details of such accomplishments with your deans and directors so we can echo your successes and celebrate them.

A few highlights of faculty accomplishments that made it in the news or surfaced through other channels are included on my website. This list is just a start. It is neither complete, nor prioritized.

I know each one of you is doing something special and I celebrate each one of you. I look forward to seeing you this Saturday, May 4 at the Carlson Center. Thank you for your many contributions!