Vanairsdale named 2024 UAF Business Leader of the Year
Morrow Duszynski
907-474-5942
May 16, 2024
Tracy Vanairsdale, third from left, shows renderings of the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center to CBSM Dean Cameron Carlson and students, from left, Adeline Berry, Ivana Brito, Aila Berrigan and Pearson Clark .
The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Business and Security Management has named Tracy Vanairsdale as the recipient of the 2024 UAF Business Leader of the Year award.
Vanairsdale is president of Bettisworth North Architects and Planners Inc. She has been with the company since 1997 and oversees the Fairbanks firm.
The Business Leader of the Year award recognizes leadership, business acumen, community involvement and educational support, including K-12 and higher education.
Vanairsdale received numerous letters of support from employees, colleagues, volunteer partners and past award recipients. She was selected by a panel of students, alumni, faculty and staff, the CBSM advisory council and previous awardees.
“What I admire the most about Tracy is her humble attitude and willingness to help this community in so many ways,” wrote Jyotsna “Jo” Heckman, a 2008 award recipient, in her support letter. “Her sense of community brings connections and thoughtful considerations to her work. She feels strongly about integration with people, culture and needs of the public, all of which play an important role in any project.”
Bettisworth North is designing the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center and has worked on multiple other UAF projects, including the Student Success Center in Rasmuson Library and the Moore and Bartlett residence hall renovations. The firm is also a substantial UAF supporter.
In addition to her professional career, Vanairsdale serves on the board of community organizations such as the UAF Chancellor’s Board of Advisors, Rotary Club of Fairbanks and the Alaska chapters for the Association for Learning Environments and the American Institute of Architects.
She and her husband, Dave, were both born and raised in Fairbanks; Dave is a UAF alumnus who captained the university’s ski team. Vanairsdale attended her first year at UAF before entering the Western Undergraduate Exchange program to study architecture and art at the University of Idaho. They enjoy annual ski trips and spending time with their dog, Copper.
Vanairsdale will be honored at an event Nov. 16 at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel. Tickets for the event will go on sale in August. To reserve tickets in advance, contact Mary Poe at mepoe@alaska.edu or 907-474-6518.
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