At the University of Alaska Anchorage, we understand the health of our communities depends on the strength of our workforce. As Alaska’s flagship institution for health education, UAA’s College of Health is not only preparing students for high-demand careers — it is transforming lives and strengthening communities across the state.

Nowhere is this impact more evident than in the College of Health School of Nursing. Between 2013 and 2023, the School of Nursing educated more than 2,750 graduates, with greater than 85% of them employed in Alaska within their first year of graduation. UAA nurses currently serve in communities from Anchorage to the most remote corners of Alaska, and are the backbone of health care delivery in our state. These professionals are not just filling jobs — they are answering a call to care for their neighbors, often in the very communities where they were raised. Their journey began at UAA, and their impact is felt every day.

In 2024, we had 458 students enrolled across our nursing programs: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctorate in Nursing Practice. This year, enrollment remains strong with over 450 students continuing their journey toward becoming health care professionals. In that same year, we proudly awarded 82 A.A.S., 122 B.S. and 18 M.S. nursing degrees, demonstrating our ongoing contribution to Alaska’s nursing workforce.

A key strength of our nursing programs is their hybrid delivery model that allows instruction to occur from a distance and locally with clinical partners. This approach supports student success and strengthens health care systems in rural and underserved areas by training professional nurses already rooted in those communities.

UAA’s health programs offer over 50 degree and certificate options, ranging from short-term credentials to doctoral degrees. Our focus is clear: educate Alaskans in Alaska for Alaska. This mission is especially critical as we face ongoing workforce shortages in health care. Each year, nearly 1,000 students graduate from UAA’s health programs ready to step into roles that are vital to the well-being of our state. These students are not just pursuing a degree — they are building futures rooted in service, community and purpose.

The success of our nationally accredited nursing programs is grounded in our commitment to excellence, affordability and accessibility. Through strategic partnerships with health care providers, nonprofits and tribal organizations, we ensure our students receive hands-on clinical training and real-world experience. These collaborations not only enhance education but also build a pipeline of skilled professionals who are ready to serve. It’s a model that reflects our belief in the power of community and the importance of investing in local talent.

We are also investing in the future. The UAA Health Workforce Expansion and Diversity Project is creating a state-of-the-art simulation and training facility to double the number of graduates in key allied health fields. Starting as early as high school, through initiatives like the Alaska Area Health Education Centers and the Della Keats Program, we are inspiring the next generation of health care professionals.

As provost, I am proud of the transformative work happening at UAA’s College of Health. Our graduates are more than health care workers, they are leaders, advocates and changemakers. Their journey through UAA equips them to serve their communities with compassion and skill and their impact resonates across Alaska.

At UAA, we believe in the power of education to shape lives and uplift communities. We stand by our commitment: Your Journey. Your Community. Your Impact. Let us continue to support and invest in the programs that keep our communities healthy and our future bright.

Denise Runge is provost University of Alaska Anchorage.