Leadership at the Top of the World

What does it take...

...  to lead in one of the most extraordinary and dynamic regions on Earth? This spring, the University of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Fairbanks offers an answer through its new course, PS 493/693: Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century.

 
 

This course goes beyond the classroom to explore leadership in the Arctic, a region where collaboration, innovation, and vision are essential. Through the Arctic Leadership Lecture Series, students and the public alike will hear from some of the most inspiring voices in the Arctic today—leaders from Indigenous communities, pioneering scientists, industry innovators, and policymakers shaping the future of the North.

 

 

Engage Your Way: Public Lectures or Full Enrollment

This unique offering is designed to be as dynamic as the Arctic region itself.

Members of the public are invited to attend the free lectures from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, gaining direct insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the Arctic.

For those seeking a deeper academic experience, students enrolled in the course will join the public lectures and, at 7:00 PM, transition into an extended class session with one of our political science professors. This additional time allows students to engage in focused discussions, analyze key themes from the lectures, and explore the complex political, environmental, and social dynamics of Arctic leadership until 8:30 PM.

 

 

Weekly Guest Lectures Open to the Public

Every Thursday evening from January 16 to April 24, 2025, the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schaible Auditorium will host this 15-week journey into Arctic leadership. From 5:30 to 7:00 PM, guest speakers will share their challenges, triumphs, and visions for the region. The public is invited to attend these lectures in person or via Zoom, free of charge.

 

Confirmed speakers include:

Edward Alexander is a dedicated Arctic Indigenous leader. With a Master’s in Education, he has held roles such as 2nd Chief of the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in and Education Director for the Tanana Chiefs Conference, focusing on language revitalization and social justice.

Photo credit: Trine Jonassen, High North News
Harvard Law graduate Justice Susan Carney will soon become Chief Justice of the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Supreme Court. Appointed in 2016, she has extensive experience as a public defender and in advocacy. Carney will lead the state’s judiciary as its longest-serving justice, presiding over a majority-female court starting January 2025.

Photo credit: Eric Stone/²ÝÁñÉçÇø Public Media.
Terry Chapin researches climate impacts and sustainability. A Volvo Environment Prize winner, he collaborates with Indigenous communities to foster resilience and authored Grassroots Stewardship: Sustainability Within Our Reach, advocating for individual action toward sustainability.

Photo credit: Study of Environmental Arctic Change
Rear Admiral Megan Dean commands the 17th Coast Guard District, overseeing operations across ²ÝÁñÉçÇø and the Arctic. A Coast Guard Academy graduate, she brings extensive leadership experience and multiple commendations, including the Legion of Merit.
Erec S. Isaacson has over 30 years of experience in energy leadership, including global roles in ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, Indonesia, and Qatar. A Colorado School of Mines graduate, he also chairs the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Oil & Gas Association board.

Photo credit: ConocoPhillips ²ÝÁñÉçÇø
Justice Jude Pate, appointed to the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Supreme Court in 2023, has practiced law for 28 years. A longtime ²ÝÁñÉçÇø resident and Sitka-based Superior Court judge, he was selected by Governor Mike Dunleavy for his extensive legal expertise and commitment to justice.

Photo credit: Office of Gov. Bill Walker/Juneau Empire
Dr. Oran Young, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, is a leading expert on Arctic and international environmental governance. Author of over 20 books, his pioneering work on governance and climate adaptation has shaped global environmental policy and sustainability strategies.

Photo credit: UC Santa Barbara-  Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
 

... with many more to come!

These leaders will dive into pressing topics such as protecting fragile ecosystems, fostering sustainable development, navigating international cooperation, and honoring the cultural traditions of Arctic peoples.

Beyond the Public Talks: Enroll in the Course

For enrolled students, the learning doesn’t end with the lectures. Following the public talks, students will engage in deeper discussions led by expert instructors, exploring leadership theories and strategies specific to the Arctic’s unique challenges. Class runs from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, with the guest lecture kicking off each session.

Students can register for the course online. Non-degree-seeking students must complete a free ²ÝÁñÉçÇø admissions application; tuition and fees apply.

A Platform for Connection and Dialogue

The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series isn’t just a course; it’s a meeting point for students, community members, and leaders to exchange ideas and build a shared understanding of the Arctic’s future. Whether you’re a policy enthusiast, a business professional, or simply curious, these sessions will inspire and inform.

How to Attend

Location
²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schaible Auditorium, Troth Yeddha Campus

Time
Thursdays, 5:30–7:00 PM (public lecture)
7:00–8:30 PM (course)

Dates
January 16–April 24, 2025

Access
Free and open to the public in person or via Zoom

Join us to explore the crossroads of culture, environment, and innovation that define the Arctic today. Whether you’re passionate about the North or simply eager to learn, this course is your chance to connect, engage, and help shape the future of the Arctic.

 

Course Flyer
Register for PS 493/693: Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century

 

Meet the Course Instructors

Dr. Amy Lauren Lovecraft. Image courtesy of Lovecraft.
Dr. Brandon Boylan. Image courtesy of Boylan
Dr. Glenn Wright. Image courtesy of Wright/UAS
Dr. Amy Lauren Lovecraft
Dr. Brandon Boylan
Dr. Glenn Wright

Dr. Lovecraft is a Professor of Political Science at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø and the Director of the Center for Arctic Policy Studies. Her research explores power dynamics in social-ecological systems, with publications in Arctic and Marine Policy, among others. She has served as a Fulbright Research Scholar and a member of the U.S. National Academies Polar Research Board, and currently leads a National Science Foundation grant focused on sustainable communities in Arctic ²ÝÁñÉçÇø.

Dr. Boylan is a Professor of Political Science at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø and the Director of Arctic and Northern Studies. His research focuses on international security, political violence, terrorism, and ethnic conflict, with publications in prestigious journals such as Studies in Conflict and Terrorism and Nations and Nationalism. He has received funding from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Commerce, and is actively involved in Model United Nations and Model Arctic Council.
Dr. Wright is a Professor of Political Science at UAS and the Statewide Coordinator of the Senator Ted Stevens State Legislative Internship Program. His research and teaching focus on ²ÝÁñÉçÇø politics, public policy, and state governance. Dr. Wright has extensive experience in legislative affairs, working closely with state institutions and fostering student engagement in state politics through internships and hands-on learning experiences.
Contact Dr. Lovecraft
Contact Dr. Boylan
Contact Dr. Wright