Summit Planning Committees
Advisory Committee
Sara Berkemeier-Bell, Office of Senator Sullivan
Brandon Briggs, University of Alaska Anchorage
Jason Brune, Department of Environmental Conservation
Corri Feige, Department of Natural Resources
Yoshiko Fujita, Ames Laboratory
Brian Hughes, Office of Senator Murkowski
Nettie La Belle-Hamer, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Paul Layer, University of Alaska
Tom Lograsso, Ames Laboratory
Karen Matthias, Council of Alaska Producers
Lance Miller, NANA
LeeAnn Munk, University of Alaska Anchorage
Pat Pitney, University of Alaska
Bill Schnabel, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mike Schrider, UCORE
Mike Sfraga, U.S. Arctic Research Commission
Deantha Skibinski, Alaska Miners Association
Pete Traxler, University of Alaska Southeast
Alan Weitzner, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
Speaker and Programming Committee
Corri Feige, Department of Natural Resources
Brian Hughes, Office of Senator Murkowski
Nettie La Belle-Hamer, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Lance Miller, NANA
Pat Pitney, University of Alaska
Bill Schnabel, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mike Sfraga, U.S. Arctic Research Commission
Deantha Skibinski, Alaska Miners Association
Logistics Committee
Andrew Aquino, University of Alaska
Wendy Brophy, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Carla Browning, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Kerynn Fisher, University of Alaska
Jenell Merrifield, University of Alaska
About the University of Alaska
The University of Alaska inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples.
The University of Alaska is a land-, sea- and space-grant system of higher education established in 1917.
The UA system’s three universities (UAA, UAF and UAS) are separately accredited institutions with 13 community campuses and extended learning centers across the state of Alaska.
Areas of Excellence
Research The environment, economy and demographics of the circumpolar North are changing in
complex but predictable ways. The rapid changes present an urgency to understand and
adapt to these dynamic times. The value of scientific research includes direct investment
in local economies and improvements in community life. Our research engages undergraduate
and graduate students so they gain skills and knowledge to become tomorrow's leaders. Workforce Development The University of Alaska is the number one provider of workforce development programs
in the state. Training a skilled workforce is a critical part of its mission. According
to national research, by 2025, 65 percent of Alaska jobs will require some form of
post-secondary education. The last time measured, the rate was just 37 percent, indicating
that Alaska’s economy is changing and the demand for advanced skilled labor is increasing.
Alaska’s vast environment of rainforest, tundra, coastal shores and mountains provides
stunning locations for study, research and play. With campuses in many communities
across the state, the University of Alaska System has a place for everyone whether
fresh out of high school or returning later in life to start a new career path.
Tuition and fees at the University of Alaska are way below the national average. We
also offer a full range of financial aid resources and scholarships to help pay for
education, making UA an affordable option for exceptional quality.
