President - James R. Johnsen

President Johnsen's Bio:

Dr. Jim Johnsen was appointed to serve as the 14th president of the University of Alaska on July 28, 2015. His most recent experience includes serving as an executive with Alaska Communications and previously with Doyon, Limited. President Johnsen also served the University of Alaska between 1996-2008, in several executive roles including vice president of administration and chief of staff.

President Johnsen is passionate about higher education and economic opportunity, having served as chair of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, vice chair of the Alaska Student Loan Corporation, vice chair of the University of Alaska Foundation, commissioner on the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, member of the Alaska State Committee on Research, and member of the Board of Directors of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.

As president, he serves as a commissioner on the Denali Commission, and is a member of the Alaska Aerospace Corporation board and the UA Foundation Board of Trustees. His education includes a B.A. in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a master's in political science from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is leading a major systemwide Title IX compliance effort, a comprehensive restructuring of the academic programs and administrative services of the university, a major initiative to align with Alaska's primary and secondary education sectors, and a systemwide push to achieve the state's goal of higher attainment — 65% by 2025.

Dr. Johnsen and his wife, Mary, who is retired, have two grown children, both born and raised in Alaska.

Leadership in Dangerous Contexts

By Cameron Carlson

About:

Leadership in dangerous contexts is different than leadership often experienced in day to day life due to the inherent danger experienced by those who work within the public safety, military and other associated professions.

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes include but are not limited to a better understanding of trust, morale, and the ability to cope with stress in leading others in dangerous contexts.

Cameron's Bio:

Since 2010, Cameron "Cam" Carlson has served as the Program Director for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management graduate and undergraduate programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) School of Management. He additionally directs the efforts of the Center for the Study of Security, Hazards, Response, and Preparedness (C- SSHRP ), coordinating academic and research activities related to participating organizations, faculty members, and researchers. Ongoing collaborative initiatives include work with U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), Alaskan Command (ALCOM), and the Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations (CSCMO) at the United States Military Academy, West Point.

Previously, Cam served as a Project/Deputy Project Manager as part of the High Threat Protection Program for Triple Canopy in Baghdad, Iraq, as the Director of Emergency Management for the University of Alaska System, and as a Site Lead and Senior C4ISR Trainer for General Dynamics Information Technology.

Cam enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1981 and later entered the Rutgers University Army ROTC program through Monmouth University. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the program and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1986. Cam has served in a number of overseas assignments to Berlin and Italy, and deployed extensively throughout Africa, the Middle East, Central Asian States, and Haiti. Prior to his service as Professor of Military Science at UAF where he retired in 2006 after 24 years of active duty, he served as the Chief of the Initiatives and Plans Group (Logistics) at U. S. Army Forces Command and as the Aide de Camp for the Commanding General, Coalition Forces Land Component Command/U.S. Army Central Command during Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Additionally, he holds a Ph.D in Security and Disaster Management from UAF, an M.A. International Relations from Webster University, and a B.S. in Biology from Monmouth University. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the Army War College Defense Strategy Course, and the DOD Logistics Technology (LOGTECH) Program at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel Hill.

He remains active within the community as a member of the Alaska State SERC All Hazards Plan Review Committee, the Alaska Partnership for Infrastructure Protection and the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

Story of Self as Journey

By Sarah Stanley

About:

Participants will be introduced to the concept of a "story of self," through a short clip. Participants will then brainstorm their own story of self. Specifically, they will be asked to make this story as an example of how they have to come to understand themselves as an organizer or leader in a given context. Participants will then be invited to create a representation of that self as a felt symbol (using googly eyes, scissors, glue, and felt of course!). Finally, we will tell stories using the symbols about our relationship to change using a felt landscape (a large mat of felt that looks like a mountain valley).

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes include but are not limited to develop a story of self as an organizing tool while increasing confidence in communicating big ideas and inspiring people through personal stories.Sarah's Bio: Besides coming to this workshop from her office, adjacent to the writing center, on the 8th floor of Gruening (stop by for a visit! 812), Sarah Stanley comes from two generations of bakers. Her grandmother and her mom were both always up at dawn baking homemade rolls, bread pudding, five days a week for many years. She feels pulled to kitchen environments because a kitchen is where food turns into a community meal. Yes, this is and is not a metaphor! She lives in Fairbanks since 2010 with her husband Nate and their new puppy named Betsy.

Situational Leadership in the Wilderness and Office

By Mark Oldmixon

About:

Every path through the wilderness is different for each person. Some take the quiet river valleys while others take to the steep cliffs. Leading a group through these different environments requires situational leadership. The same can be said for leading a group through a project in the classroom or work environment. In this session, you will use real-world examples to discuss different approaches to different situations.

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes include but are not limited to students gaining an understanding of the 4 types of situational leadership. Students being able to identify the leadership type being used and assess the effectiveness.

Mark's Bio:

Mark Oldmixon moved to Fairbanks from Vermont to pursue a Masters Degree at UAF in 2006. In 2007 he became the Coordinator for Outdoor Adventures utilizing his passion and training outdoor and experiential education. In 2012, he became the Director for DRAW and later Wood Center. When he isn't steering a desk, he gets outside with his family and dog Loki.

Green Dot Overview

By Amy Cross

About:

The Green Dot Overview will introduce the basic elements of Green Dot and include some skill building activities. This Overview will provide a framework of bystander intervention in order to prevent power-based personal violence.

Learning Outcomes:

After this session, participants will be able to recognize behaviors that may be precursors to or constitute dating/domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. Participants will be motivated to intervene in order to reduce the likelihood of harm and violence. Participants will recognize barriers that may prevent them from intervening and develop realistic options to act given their unique set of barriers. Participants will learn realistic behaviors they can do to establish two campus norms: (1) Power-based personal violence will not be tolerated, and (2) Everyone is expected to do their part.

Amy's Bio:

Amy Cross is the coordinates the Nanook Action Center (located in the Wood Center) as well as UAF Green Dot.

Maxing Out Time

By MaryEllen Cottle & Tyler Vollmer

About:

Students will review aspects to benefit their time with tools the Office of Housing & Residence Life current offers for students at the university. Utilization of Google and the benefits of the calendar features. the Office of Housing & Residence Life blocking will also work to help provide the students with information and tools to have effective time throughout their day.

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes include but are not limited to: -Realistically and successfully be able to schedule daily, weekly or monthly obligations -Be able to effectively prioritize their commitments, tasks, and assignments for the day and week -Access Google calendar and set up reminders -Effectively utilize google calendars for personal and professional development -Demonstrate understanding of time blocking and utilizing time efficiently

MaryEllen & Tyler's Bio:

Tyler and MaryEllen are Resident Directors at UAF in the Office of Housing & Residence Life. They refer to themselves as "Team Fancy Coffee!" Thier professional focus is to help serve students and give back what they can to see them develop. They both strive to utilize technology in different ways to work effectively for each of their personal styles. They will share with students new tips and refresh your minds on resources the university provides for you to use freely every day!

Climbing the Ladder: Transitioning from Technical to Management

By Jackson Fox

About:

Jackson Fox is a "young" professional and will share his journey through college and career advancement in Fairbanks. He will share perspectives on working for the private sector and government, what strategies he used to gain experience and land desirable jobs, and techniques to break into a management position. He will also share what college courses served his career the best, employment options and considerations, and his personal thoughts on how to be a good manager.

Learning Outcomes:

The presentation will provide tips, tools, and strategies for: - Finding an employer and career path that fits your interests and lifestyle - Building work experience to become a well-rounded employee - Looking for opportunities to take on new tasks, gain skills, and earn respect - Breaking into a management position with limited/no management experience - Learning to become a good manager and support and motivate employees

Jackson's Bio:

Jackson Fox is a graduate of UAF and has lived in Fairbanks for the past 19 years. He has 17 years of experience working in the engineering field for both the private sector and government and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System. In his free time, he loves to hunt, fish, and raft throughout Alaska with his beautiful wife and 4-year-old daughter.

Daniel M. White, UAF Chancellor

Chancellor White's Bio:

Daniel M. White has served as University of Alaska Fairbanks chancellor since July 2017. He previously served as University of Alaska vice president for academic affairs and research. He joined the faculty of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1995 as a professor of civil and environmental engineering. White has served in several positions at UAF, including director of the Institute of Northern Engineering, UAF associate vice chancellor for research and head of the Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization and interim vice chancellor for research. He has a bachelor's degree in physics from Colorado College, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Washington University and a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Alaska.

The Road to Resilience

By Quineshia Peterson

About:

As student leaders there can be an immense amount of pressure to perform, this workshop with explore how to stay motivated and be as effective as possible. This workshop will also provide steps on using personal strengths and weakness as a leader to remain balanced and true to yourself.

Learning Outcomes:

Includes the importance of self-care, authenticity, and self-actualization as student leaders.

Quineshia's Bio:

Quineshia Peterson currently works in the Central Residence Life Office as a Records & Assignments Coordinator for Employee, Family, & Graduate Housing. Her educational background is in Broadcast Journalism from Valdosta State University. Her hobbies include traveling, community service, and public speaking. In her free time, she plans trips around the world and volunteers for the Big Brother, Big Sister program. Favorite things to do in Fairbanks include hiking, skiing, or anything outdoors with her husband and dog.

Rehab Saved My Life

By Becca Brado

About:

In 2012 Becca's use of drugs and alcohol resulted in a downward spiral of unmanageability and left her powerless to stop using, even though her behavior was reprehensible and self-destructive. Her job required skills she didn't possess such as time management, prioritization and the ability to set limits and create structure. She felt lost, frustrated, disappointed and confused on a daily basis. Her emotions were in turmoil and she felt tormented. Drugs and alcohol were her only comfort, but they were also destroying her. After hitting rock bottom, an intensive 8-week in-patient substance abuse rehabilitation program changed her life forever.

Learning Outcome:

• Facing your demons is worth the struggle.
• How to approach questions about your last job when you were fired.
• The importance of work/life balance and self-care.
• It's ok to ask for help.

Becca's Bio:

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Becca relocated to Alaska in 2014 to hike, fish and experience life the way her husband TJ did before he moved to Tennessee in 2004. She has 10 years of experience working for, volunteering with or serving on the boards of various nonprofit organizations.

Becca is the Community Liaison for Interior AIDS Association. She has a Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Technical Communications and a Professional Grant Writing Certificate from the University of Tennessee. When she's not working, Becca enjoys live music, swing dancing, practicing yoga, reading and being outside.

Building Greater Credibility for Professional Success

By Keli McGee

About:

Our confidence and effectiveness in college and after college have a great deal to do with your credibility and long-term relationships. Based on Stephen M.R.Covey's book, The Speed of Trust, learn what actions you take to demonstrate your capabilities and character. As Chief Human Resources Officer for the University of Alaska, I see the impact ones credibility plays in a professional career and hope to share that for your future success.

Learning Outcomes:

• The four foundations of trust 
• 13 behaviors that can be developed

Keli's Bio:

Keli is the University of Alaska Chief Human Resources Officer and a UAF alumna earning a master's in professional communication in 2000. She started her career in student services as a UAF admissions counselor, served as an academic advisor at Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) in 1991 at Arctic Sivunmun Ilisagvik College. Keli later served UAF in the Student Support Services Project. In 1997 she went back to school at UAF as a graduate student and teaching assistant with the Department of Communication. Her graduate studies led her to a business and career coaching leaders on topics like effective communication, organizational change, and leadership. Before joining the University of Alaska in 2016 as the chief human resources officer, she was the chief executive officer at Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute LLC in Anchorage for four and a half years.

MBTI - How Knowing Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type Can Help You Be A Better Leader

By Ginny Kinne

About:

"Perception involves all the ways of becoming aware of things, people, happenings, or ideas. Judgment involves all the ways of coming to conclusions about what has been perceived. If people differ systematically in what they perceive and in how they reach conclusions, then it is only reasonable for them to differ correspondingly in their interests, reactions, values, motivations, and skills."

As a group, participants will use the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator to examine the different ways we perceive information, how we process that information and how to relate to others who do those things differently than ourselves. This session will cover the basics of MBTI, but will include some interactive activity and some neat take-aways. participants will also explore how our different personality types give us different advantages to leadership.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will learn their MBTI Type and will learn how knowing their type can benefit them inside and outside of the classroom.
• Learn how to communicate and work with other people of other personality types.
• Share perspective in leadership styles and scenarios based on different personality types.

Ginny's Bio:

Ginny Kinne was born and raised in Rochester, New York in the same house for 18 years until she took a leap and left for college in Fairbanks, Alaska. Graduating with a BA in Journalism and a minor in Spanish from UAF, she took time off to work as a New Student Orientation Coordinator, Admissions Counselor, Academic Advisor, and finally Director of the Academic Advising Center. Along the way Ginny completed a MEd in Counseling from UAF, earning a K-12 school counselor certification as well.

Ginny is married to a land surveyor (who she met in Alaska, but grew up 3 hours south of her in upstate New York), and is a mama to an adventurous 5-year-old son, a tough-as-nails 2-year old daughter, a lovable golden and a curious kitten. She enjoys knitting, baking, canning jams and jellies, biking, yoga and also moonlights as a beekeeper during the summers, basically living as a wanna-be homesteader.

Find Your True Colors

by Lisa Latronica

About:

Lisa will be administering and covering the True Colors assessment. This assessment addresses 4 personality types, how they interact in groups, and what leadership traits they exhibit. After covering this material, she will facilitate an egg drop activity that illustrates how the 4 different types think and interact.

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes include but are not limited to: - How to articulate specific traits that their personality type exhibits. - How they interact with different personality types. - What strengths they and others may have and how to incorporate those when working in groups.

Lisa's Bio:

Lisa joined the Wood Center team in October 2016 and loves working with SAO and Nanook Traditions. Prior to moving to Alaska, Lisa worked in residence life at North Carolina State University and Colorado School of Mines, and graduated with her BA in Art History and Studio Art from Loyola University Chicago and her M.Ed. from NC State. Her passion areas include servant leadership, community engagement, and social justice. She loves adventuring in the mountains and snow, spending time with her pup, Raleigh, and all things coffee and peanut butter. Stop by her office anytime with ideas or just to chat!

GallupStrengths

By Heidi Shepard and Chynna Sandgren

About:

GallupStrengths is an assessment designed to help people realize their natural talents and turn them into strengths. This workshop will help participants:

• discover what they naturally do best
• learn how to develop their greatest talents
• use their results to live their best life
• improve self-awareness
• a new way to explain who you are to others (and potential employers!)

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will have a clear understanding of what their top fives strengths mean and how they can implement them into everyday work and life.

Heidi and Chynna's Bios:

Heidi's leadership story started in the UAF LIVE Office in 2009. She received her education at UAF while working as a student assistant in the LIVE Office. After college, she worked for the Alaska State Legislature, the UAA, and finally as a personal trainer before coming back to Fairbanks and UAF. She has been with the SLI office for almost two years and her side hustle is teaching group fitness at the SRC. She loves spending time with books (sometimes humans) and is inspired every day by the students she works with. Born and raised in a military family, Chynna moved to Alaska in 2003. She graduated from Ben Eielson Jr/Sr High School on Eielson Air Force Base in 2011. Chynna chose to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks after attending an Inside Out Campus Preview Day and receiving the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the UAF Human Achievement Scholarship. During her time as an undergraduate at UAF she worked as a student worker at the front counter of the Office of Admissions and the Registrar and was a Nanook Cheerleader. Chynna graduated from UAF with a B.A. in Psychology and is currently finishing her Master's degree in Public Administration. In her free time, Chynna enjoys going to the gym, taking indoor cycling and step classes, watching Grey's Anatomy, and spending time with friends and family.