Learn today, lead tomorrow: Explore the leadership minor degree

March 2, 2016

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Students attending the Rural Development Legislative Seminar met with Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott in February 2015. From left are Christa Wallace, Naomi Stapp, Brenda Hannah, instructor Diane Benson, Mallott, Catherine Carpenter, Delores Gregory, Charlene Nollner and Anne Rittgers.

An interdisciplinary leadership minor is now available at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and it has already garnered plenty of interest from students.

“I think leadership is an important element for every career," said Damaris Li, a junior majoring in business administration. "At some point, everyone will be faced with opportunities to take the lead. I am excited about the opportunity offered by the leadership minor to study the topic from an academic perspective.”

The School of Management administers the program, which strengthens the abilities of UAF graduates to lead and contribute effectively in both the public and private spheres, and especially in the Alaska economy.

Students pursuing this minor select two from the following core courses: Leadership Theory and Development, Leading Change, or Leadership and Influence During Crisis. The rest of the minor program consists of nine additional credit hours completed in an academic track.

An exciting addition to the leadership minor is the new Alaska Native community leadership track. This specific minor features an educational partnership between the School of Management and the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development. Other available tracks include leadership in business administration, communication, military science, outdoor leadership and political science.

“I chose the leadership minor to make the most out of my Bachelor of Emergency Management degree and expand upon my leadership ability and knowledge of theory," said senior Brian Hamerly. "I believe it will help me in my career path in the fire service field in terms of promotions and the ability to lead in a firehouse, as well as in extreme settings on the fire ground.”

Check out the full degree requirements to find the right track for you, and start working today toward a minor in leadership.

For more information, contact Nicole Cundiff, associate professor of business administration, at nlcundiff2@alaska.edu or 907-474-5401.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Andrea Miller, School of Management, 907-474-5942, acmiller3@alaska.edu