Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce
Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce
The Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce (ACRH-HW) is dedicated to strengthening
Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s health workforce, with a focus on rural communities and addressing workforce
shortages. The Center oversees various programs, including the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Area Health
Education Centers (AHEC), which operate through six regional community-based centers
across the state. As part of the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ's role as the state's
health campus, the Center supports health program planning, community partnerships,
and intercampus collaboration. It provides a statewide framework to support health
workforce development, from career exploration and training to continuing education.
Monica Roe has built a remarkable career that bridges rural health care and children’s literature, drawing on her decade of experience as a physical therapist in remote Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Now completing her Master of Public Health at UAA, she explores disability, community resilience, and access through both research and storytelling. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Public Health Association Summit’s annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s public health landscape.
Master of Nursing Education and Leadership student Wendy DeGraffenried reflects on her educational and professional journey. As a school nurse and adjunct instructor, Wendy found her passion in mentoring other nursing professionals – something that she hopes to carry forward with her as she starts a new chapter.
Elaina Mack, a senior kinesiology major from King Cove, broke school records with 10 successful three-point shots in the Seawolves game against Northwest U. Mack scored a total of 41 points over the course of the game.
On September 27, the women’s volleyball team invited faculty to join them on the court for Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night. Among the honorees were four standout educators from the College of Health, each nominated by students.
