University adds Aleutian-Pribilof region to Bristol Bay Campus

June 15, 2015

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will restructure two of its rural campuses to better serve students and meet regional needs.

Beginning July 1, the Bristol Bay Campus in Dillingham will oversee higher education for the Aleutian and Pribilof islands region, taking over from the Fairbanks-based Interior-Aleutians Campus. Both campuses are part of UAF's College of Rural and Community Development.

“The decision to transfer the Aleutian-Pribilof island region to the Bristol Bay Campus was made to better serve the Aleut region that incorporates the uniqueness of both areas,” said Cynthia Lind, who represents the Aleutians and Pribilof islands region on the IAC Advisory Council. “This will also enhance the curriculum for those in the Aleut region, as both regions are similar in nature and, in some instances, share the same natural resources. The College of Rural and Community Development staff is working to ensure that this is a smooth transition as we move forward with a new chapter at the Bristol Bay Campus.”

IAC will continue to provide distance and place-based higher education to 61 Interior communities. The Board of Regents changed IAC’s name to Interior Alaska Campus during its June meeting. The change will go into effect July 1.

“I am excited for both of the university rural campuses and the regions we serve,” said Teisha Simmons, IAC campus director. “In proximity and understanding, the Bristol Bay Campus is better equipped to serve the Aleutian-Pribilof islands region. I am excited to see new opportunities develop with Bristol Bay campus’ stronger understanding of the region’s needs and resources. Additionally, being based in the Interior, the Interior Alaska Campus will become more available to focus on providing higher education opportunities and meeting the needs of the rural Interior communities of Alaska, which we are very familiar with.”

The official service transition will take place on July 1. Lind will continue to represent the Aleutians Pribilof Islands region on the BBC Advisory Council. There will be no other changes to the IAC Advisory Council.

As a critical link between the university and Alaska's communities, CRCD fulfills the community college mission for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Its five rural campuses and the Community and Technical College bring education to students’ front doors, providing both distance education and place-based classes. For more information about CRCD, community campuses or any of the more than 40 certificate and degree programs available through the college, visit www.uaf.edu/rural or call 907-474-7143 or 866-478-2721.