UAF Department of Political Science

08/18/2026

UAF political science professor Brandon Boylan recently spoke with Newsweek about Alaska's competitive U.S. Senate race and why party affiliation doesn't always tell the whole story in Alaska elections.

While Alaska has historically supported Republican presidential candidates, Boylan pointed to the state's history of electing candidates from different parties to statewide office. He also discussed how ranked-choice voting can encourage candidates to build support across party lines.

Read Boylan's analysis of the race and the factors shaping Alaska's political landscape in Newsweek:

Trump won Alaska by double digits in 2016, 2020 and 2024. But this year, Republicans face tough Senate and governor's races.

08/06/2026

🤔 What is freedom? Who defines it? How has that answer changed over time?

Explore how political thinkers have answered these questions across history in Defining Freedom, a writing course that challenges you to analyze competing ideas while strengthening your own arguments.

See the poster for course details and be sure to register before seats fill!

04/29/2026

DEADLINE APPROACHING!! The CLA StoryWorks Field Intensive gives students the opportunity to observe, document and translate research happening in real time.

Spend a week in Tok, Alaska capturing how people, systems and knowledge come together in a working field environment.

📍 Fairbanks + Tok, Alaska
📅 June 7–13, 2026
👥 4 students selected
💰 All expenses covered + $1,000 compensation

🗓 Apply by May 1 at 5pm AKST
👉 https://forms.gle/VDqDPHtrPLDyNnBs9

This opportunity is made possible by Transformative Experience Funding.

04/07/2026

Real research. Real fieldwork. Real stories. How is knowledge produced, organized, and communicated in complex systems? The CLA StoryWorks Field Intensive gives students the opportunity to document real-world research in Tok, Alaska and explore how information is created and shared across disciplines.

📍 Location: Fairbanks + Tok, Alaska
📅 Dates: June 7–13, 2026
👥 Cohort Size: 4 students selected
💰 Cost: All expenses covered + $1,000 compensation

👉 Apply now: https://forms.gle/VDqDPHtrPLDyNnBs9
🗓 Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5 PM AKST

This opportunity is made possible through UAF Transformative Experience Funding, supported by the Matriculation Fee.

03/26/2026

What does a liberal arts education give you? “A more fulfilling life.”

Brandon Boylan, Department Chair of Political Science and Director of Arctic and Northern Studies, puts it simply. The liberal arts sharpen how we think, how we understand the world, and how we apply our knowledge in meaningful ways.

This is about more than a career path. It is about building the skills, curiosity, and perspective to navigate life, contribute to your community, and pursue what matters.

That is worth investing in.

👉 Give now: https://qrco.de/bgfs3p

03/23/2026

We invite you to help shape the future of the UAF College of Liberal Arts. Join us as finalists for the CLA dean position present their vision for the college. Attend in person or via livestream, ask questions, and share your feedback.

📅 Public Presentations (8:30–9:30 a.m.)
• Dr. MaryTheresa Seig — Monday, March 30
• Dr. Alvin Malesky — Tuesday, March 31
• Dr. Carrie Baker — Tuesday, April 7

📍 BP Design Theatre (in person + livestream available)

Additional opportunities to connect:
• Faculty & Staff Meet and Greet: 2–3 p.m.
• Student Meet and Greet: 3:30–4:30 p.m.

RSVP, livestream links, candidate info, question submission and feedback forms:
https://www.uaf.edu/provost/provost-units/cladean.php

03/17/2026

What can you do with a History degree? Tonight’s panel hosted by the UAF Department of History and Phi Alpha Theta will explore how historical training prepares students for careers in law, museums, public service, libraries, and education.

The discussion will include Dr. Carol Gray, Assistant Professor of Public Law at UAF, whose work explores law, politics, and human rights. She will share insights into how historical and political perspectives shape pathways to law school and public service.

📅 Monday, March 16
⏰ 5:30–7:00 p.m.
📍 BP Design Theater
💻 Zoom: https://alaska.zoom.us/j/82975488176

Join us in person or online.

03/13/2026

Go Jaxon! Political Science is very proud of you!

03/13/2026

UAF Political Science professor Brandon M. Boylan has been recognized by the Alaska State Legislature for his contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Boylan’s research focuses on international security, terrorism, ethnic conflict, and separatist movements, with work published in leading journals such as Conflict Management and Peace Science and Nations and Nationalism

At UAF, he teaches courses in international relations and comparative politics while mentoring students through programs like Model UN and the Model Arctic Council, where students tackle real-world diplomatic challenges.

📖 Read more about Professor Boylan’s impact:
https://www.uaf.edu/cla/news/2026/advancing-arctic-knowledge.php

03/09/2026

🎉 Political Science faculty member nominated for teaching award!! The Department of Political Science is proud to celebrate Alexander Hirsch, Professor of Political Science, who was nominated for the 2026 Robert Piacenza Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Hirsch teaches courses on political theory, ethics, and democratic thought, helping students explore big questions about justice, politics, and the human condition. His scholarship examines themes of reconciliation, loss, and democratic life.

🎥 Watch the nominee video, directed and edited by Eric Lonn from the Center for Teaching and Learning, featuring interviews with all of this year’s nominees.