Caulfield Named College of Rural Alaska’s Associate Dean of Academic Programs

Submitted by Bernice Joseph
Phone: (907) 474-7143
09/04/03

The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Rural Alaska Executive Dean Bernice Joseph has appointed Richard Caulfield associate dean of academic programs.

"CRA has experienced extensive growth over the past few years, thanks to support from the U.S. Department of Education and the tremendous growth we are experiencing in the allied health field," said Joseph.

In addition, CRA has taken over the administration of the developmental studies education program, which adds two new faculty members to the college.

Program growth and expansion prompted the appointment to oversee faculty development, support, mentorship and administrative issues. The position will also be responsible for reviewing and responding to the recommendations from the 2001 accreditation report from the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges as they relate to CRA. Caulfield will be working with CRA faculty to change the CRA division structure to that of a departmental structure and working with the Center for Distance Education and the Fairbanks campus to integrate programming and teaching methodology.

Caulfield has taught in the Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development in Bristol Bay, interior Alaska and on the Fairbanks campus for the past 18 years. He also serves as the chair for the UAF Master Plan Committee.

"I am excited to be starting in this new position," said Caulfield. "These are exciting times of growth for the College of Rural Alaska. The faculty are committed to providing the best education possible and it’s humbling to know that I will be working with individuals who are so willing to offer programs that are flexible but of the highest quality."

Caulfield will continue to teach two courses each year for the Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development.

CONTACT: Bernice Joseph, CRA executive dean, at (907) 474-7143 or e-mail bernice.joseph@uaf.edu.