TVC to offer licensed cosmetology program

Submitted by Michelle Renfrew
Phone: 455-2833
12/20/07

Fairbanks, Alaska- The state Board of Barbers and Hairdressers this week approved a new cosmetology pilot program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus. The newly licensed program is the first of its kind offered in Alaska by an accredited college or university.

TVC director Rick Caulfield said more than 40 local salon and shop owners approached TVC about developing a program to address an increasing shortage of licensed professionals in the Fairbanks area. A recent survey of local business owners showed a minimum of 70 openings for licensed hairdressers.

"We saw there was a need in the community for licensed professionals," says Caulfield. "We (TVC) were able to work closely with those in the profession to develop a quality program that will fill a void in the community."

The program mirrors those offered by many community colleges in the Lower 48 where the curriculum is built on a nationally recognized set of texts and learning materials and requires a 1650-hour program of study and practice. Licensed professionals will conduct all of the training and instruction and local licensed salons will serve as extended learning sites where students will conduct the hands-on practicum portion of the training. Students in the program are eligible to receive financial aid.

"I am very pleased with the cooperation of some of our local hairdressers, the community, the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, and TVC, to bring the cosmetology pilot program to light," says Diane Vivlamore, owner of Total Image Salon. "I am hopeful this program will bring greatly needed help and experience to the Fairbanks area, along with raising standards in our profession."

CONTACT: Connie Basham, program coordinator, fncab1@uaf.edu, or Michelle Renfrew, TVC marketing and development manager, at 907-455-2833 or fnmmr@uaf.edu.