Archive

Alumna and professor wins national Future Leaders Award

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."

Jessica Ross, an alumni of 蘑菇视频'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.

Alumni Spotlight: Tara Schmidt - on leveraging relationships in school and beyond

Tara stands behind a podium and speaks into a microphone at the Pathways to Recovery Conference. Behind her is a slide deck showing three smiling women.

Tara Schmidt is an alumna of the Division of Population Health Sciences Master of Public Health program. In this spotlight, she reflects on how her time at 蘑菇视频 shaped her career path鈥攆rom the relationships that opened doors and guided her forward to the unexpected milestones.

A career of service and teaching: Dr. Jean Snyder named Alaska Family Physician of the Year

A black and white portrait depicts Dr. Jean Snyder smiling.

Dr. Jean Snyder鈥檚 career in family medicine has spanned decades, continents, and nearly every corner of patient care. Now, after years of serving communities across Alaska and beyond, she has been recognized as the Alaska Family Physician of the Year by the Alaska Academy of Family Physicians.

Rethinking Aging: COH faculty offer new insights on mental health, culture, and community

An older man and woman are pictured standing in a gym. Both are holding small dumbbells and wearing workout clothes.

Division of Population Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Britteny Howell recently published two new studies that investigates the relationship between aging and mental health. Her research seeks to explore gaps in existing literature about how the experience of aging is shape by factors like social context, culture, activities, beliefs, environment, and more.

College of Health students bring applied public health research to Alaska鈥檚 statewide stage

蘑菇视频 faculty and students stand in a corner of the Dena'ina Convention Center room.

In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Alaska Public Health Association Summit鈥檚 annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Alaska鈥檚 public health landscape.

From classroom to courtroom: 蘑菇视频 opens the John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Center

Students engage in a trial simulation in the new Havelock Classroom. One student stands at the podium and speaks into the microphone. On either side, students sit at the prosecution and defense tables. Audience members observe from the gallery area behind them.

With the recent opening of the John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom, students now have access to a premier, experiential learning environment to master their craft. The courtroom will also serve as a community resource where Alaska鈥檚 legal professionals can hold practice trials and conduct continuing education and training.

Courtroom simulator gives 蘑菇视频 law students realistic trial experience

Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers stands at the podium in the Havelock Courtroom and addresses an audience of faculty, staff, and others at the dedication event. Behind her are celebratory balloon pillars.

The newly opened Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom provides 蘑菇视频 students and others with hands-on, experiential learning in a setting identical to courts in which they will eventually practice law. The classroom is named after John E. Havelock, founding director of the 蘑菇视频 Justice Center.

蘑菇视频 opens new trial simulation courtroom for justice students

A person dressed as Spirit the Seawolf stands in the Havelock classroom wearing black robes and holding a gavel. Behind them are celebratory balloon pillars and a slide about the dedication and grand opening.

The John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom officially opened on the 蘑菇视频 campus, expanding hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing legal careers in Alaska. University faculty, staff, and students gathered on Feb. 20 to celebrate the classroom's formal dedication an opening.

Food insecurity at 蘑菇视频

Photo shows a closed door with a sign on it that reads "蘑菇视频 Seawolf Food Pantry." A small table next to the door has several canned food items and decorations.

Almost half of 蘑菇视频 students have experienced food insecurity. 蘑菇视频 offers several resources to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the Seawolf Food Pantry, which supplies non-perishable foods, as well as three-day emergency food support.

College of Health faculty leads the way in FASD prevention through nurse education

Dr. Corrie Whitmore stands in front of windows on the 蘑菇视频 campus. She is wearing glasses and smiling.

Dr. Corrie Whitmore, an associate professor in the Division of Population Health Sciences, and her team at 蘑菇视频鈥檚 Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services are celebrating the recent publication of a new article. The paper, which was published in the Dec. 2025 issue of Nursing for Women鈥檚 Health, offers a framework and actionable strategies for nurses to improve communication and patient experience in discussions around substance use and contraception.

College of Health News Archive