University of Alaska Southeast

2026 Faculty Excellence in Adjunct Instruction Award

Presented to Alexa Koontz, Adjunct Faculty in Business & Public Administration.

Her nominators shared:
⭐ “Alexa consistently brings professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to student success in every course she teaches.”
⭐ “She stepped up whenever the department needed her and maintained high standards across both undergraduate and graduate instruction.”

Congratulations, Alexa!

2026 Faculty Excellence in Adjunct Instruction Award

Presented to Shawn Arnold, Adjunct Faculty in Educational Leadership.

His nominators shared:
⭐ "Shawn creates learning environments that are welcoming, rigorous, and deeply relevant to the realities of leadership."
⭐ "His impact can be seen across Alaska in the many educational leaders he has helped prepare and inspire."

Congratulations, Shawn!

2026 Faculty Excellence in Research & Creative Activity Award

Presented to Dr. John Harley, Research Assistant Professor of Environmental Science.

His nominators shared:
⭐ “John’s research is world-class, but what sets him apart is how directly it benefits Alaska communities.”
⭐ “He combines scientific excellence with generosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to students and partners.”

Congratulations, Dr. Harley!

2026 Faculty Excellence in Open Educational Practices Award

Presented to Dr. Michael Boyer, Associate Professor of Law Science.

His nominators shared:
⭐ “Mike has shown that academic rigor and affordability can go hand in hand.”
⭐ “His commitment to zero-cost materials has removed barriers and opened doors for countless students.”

Congratulations, Dr. Boyer!

2026 Faculty Excellence in Service Award

Presented to Dr. Kristy Smith, Associate Professor of Management.

Her nominators shared:
⭐ “Kristy does not simply serve—she strengthens every program, process, and team she touches.”
⭐ “Her leadership, professionalism, and tireless dedication have advanced both UAS and the broader academic community.”

Congratulations, Dr. Smith!

2026 Faculty Excellence in Advising Award

Presented to Dr. Michael Navarro, Associate Professor of Marine Fisheries.

His nominators shared:
⭐ “Mike is the kind of advisor every university hopes for: thoughtful, dependable, and deeply invested in student success.”
⭐ “He quietly goes above and beyond, helping students find clear pathways to graduation, internships, and opportunity.”

Congratulations, Dr. Navarro!

2026 Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award

Presented to Dr. Éedaa Heather Burge, Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Languages.

Her nominators shared:
⭐ “Heather creates classrooms where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to grow.”
⭐ “Her teaching preserves language, builds community, and changes lives.”

Congratulations, Dr. Burge!

Annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence • Monday, May 4

A few moments from this year’s Faculty Excellence celebration. Congratulations to the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award recipients, and to all faculty recognized for promotion, tenure, milestone anniversaries, and sabbatical awards.

Faculty Excellence Award recipients:

⭐ Excellence in Adjunct Instruction: Shawn Arnold
⭐ Excellence in Adjunct Instruction: Alexa Koontz
⭐ Excellence in Faculty Advising: Michael Navarro
⭐ Excellence in Open Educational Practice: Michael Boyer
⭐ Excellence in Research / Creative Activity: John Harley
⭐ Excellence in Service: Kristy Smith
⭐ Excellence in Teaching: Heather Burge

Faculty recognized for promotion and tenure:

⭐ Elaine Alvey, Associate Professor with Tenure
⭐ John Harley, Term Research Associate Professor
⭐ Charmaine Lewis, Associate Professor with Tenure
⭐ Barbara Morgan, Term Assistant Professor
⭐ Paulette Schirmer, Associate Professor with Tenure

Sabbatical award recipients:

⭐ Melissa Dolese, AY 2027, “Embodied Ecologies: An Autoethnographic Study of Human–Nature Interconnection”
⭐ Jonas Lamb, Fall 2026, “Leveraging Wikidata to Build UAS Scholarly Profiles; Communicating the Teaching & Learning Value of Wikipedia; and AI Leadership for UA”
⭐ Julie Schram, AY 2027, “Ocean acidification and climate research capacity development”

Thank you for the teaching, advising, research, creative work, service, and leadership you bring to UAS and our students. 💙🐳✨

Look for individual profiles of this year's Faculty Excellence Award winners starting tomorrow.

Hey UAS students! Ready to make a real impact this fall? Become a New Student Orientation Leader and kickstart Fall 2026 with purpose, fun, and a $350 tuition waiver! 🎉

This is more than just a job – it's your chance to welcome new students, build serious confidence, and grow your leadership skills, all while becoming a vital part of the UAS community. Even if you're not sure you're a leader yet, this is the perfect opportunity to discover your potential!

Here's what's in it for you:
🐳 Extensive training to prepare you for leading new students.
🐳 Fun excursions like riding the Mt. Roberts tram or whale watching!
🐳 Celebrate Welcome Week and the first day of class.
🐳 Early, free move-in to campus housing!
🐳 $350 tuition waiver 💸

Key Dates:
📆 Training is August 17–20 (2-4 hrs/day).
📆 Orientation events are August 21–23.
📆 Early move-in starts August 14.

Ready to connect, grow, and make a difference? Apply now and get all the details at https://loom.ly/TAjBDB4

We are looking for 5 more applicants. Tag a friend who would be an amazing Orientation Leader! 💙🩵💙

Questions? Reach out to Jacob Durance ([email protected]) or JoMarie Alba ([email protected]). We'd love to chat!

⭐ 2026 Outstanding Student ⭐

Amanda Judy
Associate of Applied Science, Business Administration, Accounting

Nominated by Maren Haavig:
"Faculty recommend Amanda Judy as the outstanding Business Administration, A.A.S. graduate in recognition of her exceptional academic performance and dedication to her studies. Graduating summa cm laude with a 4.0 GPA, she consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and a strong commitment to learning. We are pleased that she will continue her education in our Bachelor of Business Administration program."
- Maren Haavig, Associate Professor of Accounting

Congratulations, Amanda!