I can readily appreciate the position of the Board of Regents of our state’s university system to reduce costs during these difficult times. The University of Alaska system, over the last several years, has reached out to extend educational opportunity to many smaller communities. While the effort has been successful, it appears consolidation is at least a partial solution. That suggests applying a formula based on the number of students receiving university services at the various locations.
As difficult as this may seem to the affected communities, reality dictates that the university system can no longer serve the needs of all of these smaller locations. I understand all options are under consideration, but I believe regional priorities should be the major factors in the university’s deliberations.
Therefore, it seems the priorities should be given to covering the major areas of our state —Anchorage, to cover Southcentral Alaska at UAA, Fairbanks and Interior Alaska at UAF, and all of Southeastern Alaska, Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau at UAS in Juneau. Such a structure would fairly cover the major population areas in these regions.
Thanks to President Jim Johnsen and the Board of Regents for their service in addressing this difficult policy decision.
Frank H. Murkowski
Ketchikan
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