Alaska Pacific University, USA

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings  

Alaska Pacific University (APU) was founded by Peter Gordon Gould who started the private university by the name of Alaska Methodist University (AMU) in the year 1960. Throughout the year 1978 the name “Alaska Pacific University” was renamed from “Alaska Methodist University”.  Though the name switched, it remained a Methodist-affiliated university in Alaska. Alaska Pacific University has been accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1981. Alaska Pacific University's ranking in the US News & World Report 2020 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #82.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The central campus is situated on a 170-acre land in the UMed District of Anchorage. Structures like the US Geological Survey and the Elmo Sackett Broadcast Centre are also positioned on the campus. It also has 900-acre private exclusive instructional farms. It has on-campus and off-campus living choices for domestic and international students. It concentrates not only on knowledge but increasing expertise also on liberal arts and sciences. There are several courses administered by the university. Firstly, for Bachelor of Arts courses like Liberal Studies, Sustainability Studies, Outdoor Studies, Counseling Psychology, Alaska Native Governance, and Creative and Professional Writing are offered. Secondly, for Bachelor of Science programs like Earth Science, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science are given. Graduate degrees include Master of Arts; MBA, and an Executive MBA with Information & Communication and Technology and Strategic Leadership; Counseling Psychology (MS); Environmental Science (MS); and Outdoor and Environmental Education (MS). 

Accomplishments & Alumni 

Accomplishments at APU over the past three years include the development of a new strategic plan to transition to a Tribal University, adding programs in nursing and healthcare-related degrees, increasing student enrollment, joining the University of the Arctic, forming the inaugural Alaska Native Elders Council, reinstating the APU Art Committee, and improving the institution’s financial position. 
Notable alumni include Kikkan Randall, Katherine Gottlieb, Sadie Bjornsen and Holly Brooks to name a few.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

APU is famous for Nordic Ski Team, also distinguished as APUNSC. It involved students in skiing professional courses for competitions. After 1972, the Ski team has assigned at least one skier to every Olympics during winter. As a result of which students have earned gold medals. Furthermore, there are clubs and associations where students who continue can associate themselves easily. Top hirers include Alaskan Airlines, Alaska Native Tribal Consortium, Carrs-Safeway, and General Communication Inc.