Spring 2026 Issue
Dear UAA Community,
With the Spring 2026 semester underway, it is my pleasure to introduce myself to the UAA community as the Interim Dean of the Graduate School. First, we welcome you to join us for our upcoming on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union, where you can learn about graduate programs and support services at UAA!
Please also join me in thanking Mary Jo Finney, Ph.D., for her exceptional service as Graduate School Dean for nearly six years—during particularly challenging times at UAA. Throughout her tenure, she expanded and raised the profile of the Graduate School and brought unmatched enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to the UAA community.
I'd like to welcome her to her new roles as Senior Faculty Fellow, where she will remain an integral part of graduate education at UAA, and as a leader of the continuing education program in the School of Education, where she'll build on her decades of expertise in teacher education. We are privileged to keep working alongside her and will continue into the new year with the spirit and commitment she brought to her position as dean.
In this issue of our Graduate School Newsletter, we’ll spotlight a few members of our Graduate School community, including Melissa Hurd, a student in our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitoner graduate certificate program, as well as recent MS Civil Engineering graduate George Payne, along with upcoming events and announcements. Thank you for being part of our vibrant UAA community! Whether you're conducting research, leading in your profession, or just beginning your journey, we are here to support you every step of the way. As always, feel free to reach out to us at 907-786-1098 or uaa_graduateschool@alaska.edu with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Happy spring semester!
Colin McGill
Interim Dean, Graduate School
Vice Provost, Faculty Success
Graduate School Spotlight
In this edition, get to know current graduate student Melissa Hurd and recent alum George Payne. Do you want to be featured in the Graduate School Spotlight for our next newsletter? Fill out .
Melissa Hurd is in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitoner graduate certificate program and serves as a student representative on the Graduate Advisory Council and the School of Nursing Faculty Advisory Committee. She lives in Fairbanks, and is originally from Crested Butte, CO.
George Payne is a recent graduate of the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program and former UAA athlete on the Track and Field and Cross-Country Running teams. He is originally from Portland, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics in 2023.
LATEST NEWS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please join us for our on Tuesday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Union! Explore graduate programs, meet with faculty and staff, and discover opportunities to advance your education and career. Don't miss this chance to learn about what UAA offers!
UPCOMING EVENTS
We've moved! The Graduate School has moved to the , Suite 213. The McNair Scholars Program remains in Suite 287 of the .
Get in Touch with Us
Office Location - We've Moved!
UAA/APU Consortium Library, 213
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508 Mailing Address UAA Graduate School
3211 Providence Drive, LIB 213
Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone (907) 786-1098 Email uaa_graduateschool@alaska.edu
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508 Mailing Address UAA Graduate School
3211 Providence Drive, LIB 213
Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone (907) 786-1098 Email uaa_graduateschool@alaska.edu