Sandra Kowalski joins state education board

April 24, 2018

UAF photo by JR Ancheta. Veteran educator Sandra Kowalski was appointed to the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development by Gov. Bill Walker.

The Alaska Legislature has confirmed Sandra Kowalski's appointment to the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development.

Kowalski is director of Indigenous programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She was one of four board members appointed by Gov. Bill Walker in March.

“As a teacher and school administrator, Sandy has dedicated her career to helping create the talent that Alaska needs to take us into the future,” said Evon Peter, vice chancellor of rural, community and Native education. “Now as UAF’s director of Indigenous programs, her dynamic leadership helps advance the university’s goal to create a culture in Alaska that values education. Sandy’s role on the State Board of Education and Early Development is integral to achieving the University of Alaska’s vision for creating a better life for Alaska families and communities.”

Kowalski was sworn into office during the board’s meeting in Juneau in March. She filled the Fourth Judicial District seat and replaced Sue Hull, whose term expired. Her appointment was one of nearly 100 board and commission nominations that the Alaska House and Senate jointly voted to approve on April 10. Kowalski’s term expires in March 2023.

Before joining the College of Rural and Community Development in January, Kowalski was an assistant superintendent for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Before becoming a principal and administrator in Fairbanks and Kotzebue, she served as an Iñupiaq language and language arts teacher in Kotzebue and in Deering. She also was directed Nikaitchuat Ilisaġviat, her home community’s tribal language immersion school.

At UAF, Kowalski is vital to CRCD’s effort to create a culturally responsive environment to ensure student success and deliver baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in Alaska Native studies and rural development. She oversees several CRCD programs, including 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 and help them achieve academic and personal success.

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 join the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development,” said Kowalski. “I am looking forward to working with the commissioner, the Department of Education and Early Development and communities in advancing the goals outlined in Alaska’s Education Challenge to ensure the success of all students.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Leona Long, lclong2@alaska.edu, 907-474-5086