University of Alaska—Fairbanks

University of Alaska—Fairbanks. Vignettes in History. , The University of Alaska began as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines under the same federal laws as similar land-grant colleges throughout the continental United States. Its creation by Congress in 1915 and acceptance by the Territory of Alaska in 1917 laid the groundwork for higher education in Alaska. On opening day, September 18, 1922, six faculty members, President Charles E. Bunnell and six students comprised the "Farthest North College.", During Dr. Bunnell's 27 years as president, the campus struggled to exist. With an enrollment of 150 and 18 faculty members, the institution was renamed the University of Alaska on July 1, 1935. Upon Dr. Bunnell's retirement in 1949, Dr Terris Moore served UA as president until 1953. During this period, the University of Alaska experienced post-World War II growth that marked a new beginning for the institution. With Dr. Ernest N. Patty, the third president, at its helm, the University of Alaska continued to grow. Dr. William R. Wood assumed the presidency in 1960, a year after statehood. He guided the University for 13 years and expanded the University by creating new campuses in the southeastern and southcentral urban regions of the state. His successor, Dr. Robert W. Hiatt, continued this expansion. He reorganized the institution by establishing a system with universities in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau., With this sweeping administrative reorganization, chancellorships were established in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and for the community colleges and rural areas. Dr. Howard Cutler launched the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in new directions when he became the first chancellor. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks remained the main campus of the statewide system. Its research institutions rank among the top in the world and continue to excel in basic and applied high latitude studies. UAF reflects its historic role by taking primary responsibility for the land-grant functions of the system. In 1980 the federal government named the University a sea-grant institution., The Fairbanks campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, sciences, and professions. UAF has developed some highly specialized programs that reflect its unique northern environment. In select areas, such as the natural sciences and mathematics, doctoral degrees are offered., Activities and programs in the creative and performing arts make UAF a cultural center for interior Alaska. Through its museum and through the Alaska and Polar Regions library collection, UAF also provides a major cultural and informational resource to the state.