Human Services News

Jessica Ross stands on a stage. She is holding a microphone and wearing traditional Indigenous clothing. Behind her is a projector screen that reads "The Teachings of Qengaga Yey." Read More

Alumna and professor wins national Future Leaders Award

 |  Matt Jardin  | 

Jessica Ross, an alumni of ĢƵ's dental hygiene program and current assistant professor in the Department of Human Services, was recently honored with the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. The award recognizes emerging leaders in higher education who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, equity, and community engagement.

Billie stands in front of a ĢƵ backdrop featuring Spirit the Seawolf. She is in full graduation regalia and holding a sign that reads "#ĢƵ Alum." Read More

Alumni Spotlight: Billie Slaikeu

 |  Alison Miller  |  ,

Human Services alumna Billie Slaikeu knows a thing or two about what it means to start over. A retired certified nursing assistant, Billie returned to school in her sixties after being inspired by her daughter’s experience with mental illness. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2025.

Cass Pook standing in rural area covered in snow Read More

Lifetimes of helping

 |  Matt Jardin  |  ,

When human services and social work alumna Cass Pook says she has always been a helper, she’s not just referring to her nature as an empathetic and compassionate listener. “Culturally, it's in my DNA to be a helper,” said Pook. “Looking back on it throughout history, 100 or 200 years ago I would have been doing the same thing. I was born to be a social worker.”

Yvonne Chase smiling grey background Read More

Faculty Spotlight: Yvonne Chase shares journey into Human Services

 |  Chynna Lockett  |  , , ,

After serving a year as the President-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Yvonne Chase is now the president. Dr. Chase shares some of her vibrant background in human services that led her to ĢƵ.

Yvonne Chase, Ph.D. Read More

Alaska Social Worker Dr. Yvonne Chase is the new President-Elect of NASW

 |  SWHELPER  |  , ,

Yvonne Chase, Ph.D., associate professor with the Dept. of Human Services under the ĢƵ College of Health, is the new president-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).