Sandra Kowalski named director of CRCD Indigenous Programs
November 14, 2017
Sandra Kowalski, a veteran educator and school administrator, has been selected as
the director of Indigenous Programs for the College of Rural and Community Development.
Kowalski is presently assistant superintendent for the Fairbanks North Star Borough
School District. She will assume the university role Jan. 8, 2018.
“UAF sought a strategic leader who understands the unique challenges faced by rural
and Alaska Native students and shares our vision for implementing culturally responsive
solutions that overcome these barriers,” said Evon Peter, vice chancellor of rural,
community and Native education. “Sandra’s dynamic leadership will enhance our ability
to serve and support students throughout the university in reaching their highest
potential and help advance rural and Indigenous studies.”
In this new position, Kowalski will oversee CRCD programs that include Rural Student
Services, the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development, the Eileen
Panigeo MacLean House and the Rural Alaska Honors Institute. These departments support
Alaska Native and rural students throughout their university experience, help
create a culturally responsive environment to ensure their success, and deliver baccalaureate
and master’s degree programs in Alaska Native studies and rural development.
Kowalski has nearly 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Alaska’s
public and tribal schools. She taught Iñupiaq language and language arts in Deering
for the Northwest Arctic Borough School District. Kowalski also served as the district’s
director of state and federal programs, school improvement specialist, and principal
at June Nelson Elementary in Kotzebue, and was the director of Nikaitchuat Ilisaġviat,
her home community’s tribal language immersion school.
In 2007, Kowalski and her family moved to Fairbanks. Her first position with the Fairbanks
North Star Borough School District was as a teacher at Effie Kokrine Charter School,
and later became principal of Randy Smith Middle School. Kowalski earned bachelor’s
degrees in Iñupiaq language and in English from UAF and a master’s degree in education
from National University.
“I am excited to return to the university as director of Indigenous Programs,” said Kowalski.
“I believe that Indigenous youth prosper when they are immersed in meaningful language
and cultural experiences. I am looking forward to helping UAF build partnerships and
collaborations that strengthen CRCD’s programs and help ensure the success of the
students we serve.”
For more information contact Leona Long at lclong2@alaska.edu or 474-5086.