Mission

 Mission

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) transforms lives through teaching, research, community engagement and creative expression in a diverse and inclusive environment. Serving students, the state, and the communities of Southcentral Alaska, UAA is a comprehensive, open access, public university established on the ancestral lands of the Dena’ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Chugachmiut, and Eyak peoples.

Vision
We are known as a university of distinction, transforming lives and communities.

The UAA 2027 Strategic Plan is a framework that defines, communicates, and brings to life our shared expectations for UAA by the year 2027. The plan builds on our strengths, and focuses attention and resources on delivering high-quality education to meet the needs of the people of Alaska, and building a better future.

After months of meetings, stakeholder engagement, and comprehensive interaction at all levels of our institution, UAA 2027 consists of 5 key aspirations we want to reach by the year 2027, and subsequent strategies to achieve each of them.

Aspiration #1: We put students first.

  • UAA becomes a student-centered institution
  • Equity gaps in student learning and achievement are narrowed
  • Students are retained, persist, and graduate at increasing rates
  • Students develop and achieve UAA’s Core Learning Competencies

Aspiration #2: We create a culture of equity and inclusion by embracing our diversity.

  • Increase student, faculty, and staff diversity
  • Address and strive to eliminate systemic racism from our policies and practices
  • Create a sense of belonging and community for marginalized groups
  • Strengthen existing and develop new meaningful partnerships with Alaska Native tribes, corporations, and organizations
  • Focus and align priorities within Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan with these strategies

Aspiration #3: We embrace our role as a trusted and respected community partner.

  • Demonstrate value and meaningful progress on UAA 2027 aspirations
  • Align and communicate UAA capacity to meet community needs
  • Deepen and expand community engagement beyond current level

Aspiration #4: We positively impact communities and the world through innovation

  • Strengthen interdisciplinary initiatives
  • Enhance scholarship, service, and teaching related to the Arctic, aligned with UAA’s mission
  • Increase external sponsorship of research, scholarship, and creative activities, expanding student opportunity where possible

Aspiration #5: We accelerate excellence through continuous improvement.

  • Reduce barriers and redundancies in administrative processes
  • Enhance revenue and financial sustainability through increased enrollment, external support, fundraising, and fee-for-service entrepreneurial activities
  • Strengthen UAA’s environmental sustainability practices
  • Students develop and achieve UAA’s Core Learning Competencies