Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University (APU) offers a distinctive educational journey rooted in the heart of Anchorage. As a private university with a close-knit community of 578 students, APU is charting an exciting course, evolving to embrace a significant partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to become a tribal college. This commitment reflects a deep dedication to serving Alaska's diverse communities and fostering an education that truly resonates with the region's heritage.

APU's rich history began in 1957 as Alaska Methodist University, spearheaded by the vision of Peter Gordon Gould, an Aleut from Unga, Alaska, who later became the first Alaska Native minister in the United Methodist Church. Gould passionately advocated for a Methodist university in Alaska, leading to the dedication of the campus on June 28, 1959. Donald F. Ebright served as the first administrative president, followed by Frederick P. McGinnis, who welcomed the inaugural class of students.

The university expanded its footprint significantly in 1973 with the acquisition of approximately 900 acres for the Kellogg Campus. In November 1978, the institution was renamed Alaska Pacific University, marking a new chapter in its development. Today, APU stands at a pivotal moment, with its 2016 partnership signaling a profound commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, making it an incredibly relevant and forward-thinking institution for those seeking an education with a strong sense of purpose and place.