Alaska colleges and universities: putting higher education within reach for Alaskans.

• Author: Freeman, Louise
• Position: EDUCATION - Company overview

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Through its far-flung network of colleges and outreach centers, serving communities from Kivalina to Ketchikan, Alaska's higher education system has put a college education within reach for most potential students throughout the state, no matter where they live. From the unique two-year Ilisagvik College in Barrow, which was founded to provide an education based on the cultural heritage, language and traditions of the Inupiat, to the University of Alaska Southeast campus in Ketchikan, which offers classes in Tlingit arts and culture, Alaska's extensive higher education system celebrates the diversity of the state. At the heart of the higher education system in Alaska is the large, far-reaching University of Alaska system, which is divided into three main branches: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). Each branch of the university has its own unique strengths, drawing students from throughout the state.

FLAGSHIP CAMPUS

Alaska's flagship university campus is centrally located in Fairbanks, earning it the designation of "America's Arctic University." UAF is uniquely situated to provide a base for research into Arctic and sub-Arctic studies.

"Our climate-change researchers are recognized worldwide. Our undergraduate and graduate students get to work alongside them and that is incredibly exciting," said Marmian Grimes, UAF spokeswoman.

Research and teaching are top priorities at the UAF campus, with 90 percent of research dollars in the ETA system going to UAF.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has more selective criteria for admission than the other UA campuses, which have an open admissions policy; however, UAF does have mechanisms in place, such as admitting students to a "pre-major" to assist students who do not meet the regular admissions requirements.

The engineering program is especially strong at UAF, accounting for 15 percent of the baccalaureate degrees awarded in 2010. The university offers a wide range of educational opportunities for students, from one-year certificate programs in its Community and Technical College to doctoral studies. The technical college, Grimes said, "is very responsive to industry. We see a need in industry and we jump on it and start a program to fill that need for what employers say they want."

The most popular certificates are in the field of health professions, accounting for 48 percent of the certificates awarded last year. Until recently, UAF was the only institution in the state to award doctoral degrees, and their flourishing doctoral...