UAF Arctic and Northern Studies Program

From Arctic and Northern Studies student to Chancellor of America’s Arctic University.

Please join us in congratulating Russell Vander Lugt, who has been named the next chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Col. Vander Lugt earned both his master’s degree in Arctic and Northern Studies and his interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Arctic and Northern History at UAF. His work bridges Arctic history, security studies, anthropology, and Indigenous knowledge systems, reflecting the interdisciplinary spirit at the heart of our program.

As a long-time Alaskan, Arctic scholar, educator, and military leader, he brings a unique perspective to the future of UAF and the North.

We are incredibly proud to count him among our alumni and look forward to the leadership he will bring to UAF and the broader Arctic community.

Finals week now—fieldwork next?

The CLA StoryWorks Field Intensive takes students into the field in Tok, Alaska to document research happening in real time. This is an opportunity to engage directly with northern research environments while learning how to communicate complex work through storytelling.

📍 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

Made possible by Transformative Experience Funding.

Explore Alaska through story and research. The CLA StoryWorks Field Intensive invites students to document real fieldwork in Tok, Alaska, capturing research, environment, and experience in a northern context. No experience required.

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

👉 Apply now: https://forms.gle/VDqDPHtrPLDyNnBs9
🗓 Deadline: May 1

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

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

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

Arctic and Northern Studies director Brandon M. Boylan is helping prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate the political and security challenges shaping the circumpolar North.

Recently honored with a citation from the Alaska State Legislature, Boylan’s work combines scholarship, teaching, and global collaboration to advance understanding of Arctic governance and international relations.

He also co-founded the Model Arctic Council, an experiential learning program that connects students across the circumpolar world and immerses them in real Arctic policy challenges.

📖 Read the story about Boylan’s impact on Arctic education and leadership:
https://www.uaf.edu/cla/news/2026/advancing-arctic-knowledge.php

📰🔬 Why Journalism and Science Matter to Democracy—Now More Than Ever. This spring, the UAF Department of Science and Environmental Journalism is offering a timely, discussion-driven seminar that explores the shared foundations of journalism, science, and democratic society. JOUR F391: Issues in Science and the Environment—Journalism, Science and Democracy examines why both journalism and science are essential to free thinking, public knowledge, and open debate—and why both institutions are increasingly under pressure.

Meeting Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in person, this seminar-style course invites students and community members to explore the deep connections between scientific inquiry, journalistic practice, and democratic values. Through readings, discussion, and critical analysis, participants will examine how these fields support one another, how they are being challenged and defunded, and what it means to cover science and democracy in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Taught by Snedden Chair Paula Dobbyn, the course is especially well suited for upper-division students, working professionals, and anyone who cares about science, journalism, and a free press.

📍 In person | Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. | CRN 34895
📩 Questions? Contact Paula Dobbyn at [email protected]