• Campus Information

  • The APU Campus
  • Map and Directions

  • Discover Anchorage

    • About Anchorage
    • Weather & Daylight
    • Accessibility
    • Housing
    • Wilderness
    • Alaskana
    • Resources
    • People Mover Bus System
• Calendar

• Course Catalog

  • Read Online (HTML)
  • Download (PDF)
• Directory
• Board of Trustees

• Alumni & Donors

  • Alumni Home
  • APU Contact Newsletter
  • Transcript Request
  • Moseley Sports Center
• Conference & Catering
• Pacific Rim Fisheries
• Employment

 Contact Us:
 infodesk@alaskapacific.edu
 907.561.1266
 
 4101 University Drive
 Anchorage, AK 99508
 
 Request Information
 

 Site Map
 
 Log In

A Brief History of APU

APU, chartered as Alaska Methodist University by the Territory of Alaska in 1957, dedicated its campus on June 28, 1959, the same year Alaska achieved statehood. When the first students enrolled in classes beginning October 1, 1960, campus facilities consisted of Grant Hall, the academic and student center; and Gould Hall, the student residence. As enrollments and programs grew significantly, a student center, apartment and residence hall complex was constructed. This complex was later named Atwood Center.

After a 1977 reorganization, academic programs were restructured, and in November 1978, Alaska Methodist University was renamed Alaska Pacific University to better reflect its educational mission and geographical location.

The Ruth and Homer Moseley Sports Center was added to campus facilities in 1986 and the Carr Gottstein Academic Center in 1992. The university now offers eleven undergraduate majors and five graduate programs.

Mission Statement

Alaska Pacific University is a private, independent university that promotes the fullest development of its students through liberal arts and professional programs while emphasizing individual attention to students, the development of leadership abilities, and the nurturing of spiritual and moral values consistent with its Christian heritage while respecting the religious convictions of all.

Educational Goals

Emphasize personal growth through student-centered, experiential education using Alaska, the Arctic, and the Pacific Rim as laboratories for learning.

Develop leadership for active service to society by encouraging openness to positive change, innovation and individual initiative.

Promote international and multicultural education while welcoming learners of all ages: from Alaska, with a special commitment to Alaska Natives; from other states of the United States; and from the international community.

Maintain academic excellence by combining the breadth, integrative understanding, and critical thinking of the liberal arts with practical and focused knowledge for professional careers.