Remembering UAS faculty emeritus Dr. Lawrence Lee Oldaker

Aug. 6, 2021

It is with great sadness that we recognize the passing of Dr. Lawrence Lee Oldaker, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alaska Southeast, who died on August 1, 2021 after a long illness.  Dr. Oldaker had a long and distinguished career in education, beginning in the deep South and ending in Juneau, Alaska.

Dr. Oldaker was a life-long champion of educational equity.  He opened the first desegregated elementary schools in Laurel Bay, South Carolina as superintendent of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort schools during the turbulent days of the early 60s when threats from the KKK and other opponents of integration were deadly and real.  For weeks, the Corps stationed armed guards around both the school and Dr. Oldaker's home.

Dr. Oldaker brought his crusading zeal to Alaska at a time when the state was facing its own challenges in providing equal educational opportunity for Alaska Native students, particularly those in rural villages.  The decentralization of the former State Operated School District into locally-controlled Regional Area Attendance Areas and the abolishment of state-run boarding schools in favor of local, village high schools called for teachers and school administrators who understood and supported diversity.  Dr. Oldaker provided these skills to several generations of Alaskan educators through his program development and coursework at UAS.  Joining the university (then known as UASE) in 1975, Dr. Oldaker developed the first Master’s Degree in Education Administration which graduated many of the state’s leaders.  He retired in 1999, but continued to provide insight and guidance both in Alaska and at national and international conferences.  He was especially noted for his expertise in school law, particularly as it related to equity issues.

His wife, Linda Blefgen, was also a longtime employee with UAS.  We and countless educators throughout Alaska offer her our heartfelt condolence in this difficult time and express gratitude that we were enriched by his grace and guidance.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this loss, please don’t struggle alone. Free help is available through the Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-993-7650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.