Kay L. Thomas Pathfinder Award nominations needed

February 4, 2015

University Relations

Nominations for the annual Kay L. Thomas Pathfinder Award will be accepted through Feb. 13, 2015.

The award honors Kay Thomas, who ensured the success of Alaska Native and rural students during her more than 20 years of service at UAF. The Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development established the award in 2012, the year Thomas retired.

Thomas assisted more than 2,000 Alaska Native and rural students, helping them succeed through her compassion and selfless dedication to meeting the personal and academic challenges they faced. Through her actions, Thomas illuminated a pathway for students to create their own success stories, stories that will be handed down through generations and retold as alumni share stories of their university years.

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

• serves as an advocate for students.


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


• demonstrates a high level of commitment to student success.


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

More information on the nomination process may be found on the DANSRD website, http://www.uaf.edu/dansrd/awards/.