Kay Thomas Pathfinder Award nominations sought

January 4, 2016

University Relations

Nominations for the 2016 Kay L. Thomas Pathfinder Award are open through Jan. 29.

The award honors Kay Thomas, who helped ensure success for many Alaska Native and rural Alaska students through her 20-plus years of compassionate and selfless service at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development established the award in 2012, the year Thomas retired.

The award is open to all UAF staff and faculty, including those at branch campuses. Nomination letters may be submitted by any UAF student or employee.

Nominees are evaluated on the basis of four criteria. The ideal nominee:

• serves as an advocate for Alaska Native and rural students.


• helps Alaska Native and rural students overcome personal and academic challenges.


• demonstrates a high level of commitment to Alaska Native and rural student success.


• engages effectively with leadership, students and/or regions to advance educational opportunities for Alaska Native and rural students.

The annual award will be presented during an evening performance at the 43rd Annual Festival of Native Arts held in the Davis Concert Hall, March 3–5.

For more information, see http://www.uaf.edu/dansrd/awards/. Nominations may be submitted to Sherrie Rahlfs in the department office, 321 Brooks.