Alaska Pacific University

Anchorage, AK

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1957

Founded

Private university

Type

578

Total Students

437

Undergrad

141

Graduate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

President: Janelle Vanasse

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University: Pioneering education with a rich Alaskan and Indigenous heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Alaska Pacific University (APU) offers a unique and intimate educational experience, serving a close-knit community of 578 students. This private university is more than just an institution; it's a vibrant hub deeply connected to the land and its people, continuously evolving to meet the distinct needs of the region.

APU's captivating history began in 1957 as Alaska Methodist University, a vision brought to life by Peter Gordon Gould, an influential Alaska Native minister. Gould's pioneering spirit led to the dedication of the campus in 1959, laying the groundwork for higher education in the Last Frontier and establishing a legacy of service and community.

The university embraced a new chapter in 1978, officially becoming Alaska Pacific University. Continuing its commitment to the Alaskan community, APU forged a significant partnership in 2016 with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, signaling its intention to become a tribal college. This bold step underscores APU's dedication to fostering academic excellence while honoring and integrating Indigenous knowledge and cultures, shaping a distinctive academic path and a profoundly enriching student experience rooted in place and purpose.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1957 as Alaska Methodist University by Peter Gordon Gould, an Alaska Native minister.
✦Renamed Alaska Pacific University in 1978, marking a new era of growth and regional focus.
✦A vibrant and close-knit academic community with 578 students.
✦Formed a significant partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in 2016, with an intent to become a tribal college.
✦Acquired approximately 900 acres of land for its Kellogg Campus in 1973, providing ample space for learning and exploration.
✦Led by President Janelle Vanasse, guiding the university's mission and future direction.

Timeline

1957

Founded as Alaska Methodist University by Peter Gordon Gould.

1958

Donald F. Ebright elected as the university's first administrative president.

1959

Alaska Methodist University dedicated its campus.

1960

Frederick P. McGinnis served as acting president to the first class of students.

1973

Approximately 900 acres of land acquired for the APU Kellogg Campus.

1978

Alaska Methodist University was renamed Alaska Pacific University.

2016

Formed a partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, indicating intent to become a tribal college.

🏛️

69 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Janelle Vanasse

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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