Carole Lund, Professor of Business Administration
How long have you been at APU? What courses did you teach in that time? What other roles did you fill?
I began at APU as an adjunct teaching Qualitative Research Methods in 2005 and began teaching part time in the spring of 2006 and full time the fall of 2006. I have had the privilege of teaching senior project classes, MBA research class and guiding theses, and ethics. I have also been the Director of Degree Completion, coordination of 4 degrees; Director of Business Administration and Management; and Coordinator of the Accelerated Business Administration and Management Degree/Master of Business Administration Option
What is your fondest memory of your time at APU? Why?
My fondest memories of APU is graduation. It is fulfilling to watch and listen to my advisees and students graduate. Their celebration warms my heart; it is the culmination of a great deal of sacrifice and work on their part.
What was the biggest lesson you learned here? Why?
The greatest lesson learned at APU and throughout my life is patience. Sometimes change comes slowly and it is important to wait for the right time. Patience with students as they work through job and home concerns; patience as they take a time out before returning; and patience with the constant reminders to them that they will succeed.
Who or what inspired you most at APU? Why?
Students inspire me to work harder, keep up with current trends, and constantly revise my classes with their feedback. Faculty at APU are fabulous as a group and individually. I have learned a great deal about teaching strategies, maneuvering through the political environment, and just having fun at meetings.
What do you hope the future of APU looks like?
My greatest hope is that we will become Alaska’s choice for our degrees. My hope is that our curriculum will differentiate us from other higher education options in Alaska, that we will be truly serving the needs of Alaska Natives.
What’s next? What are you most excited about your upcoming retirement?
I will be playing with the grandchildren and my husband more, fishing more, and bear viewing from our boat. My future plans involve travel, continue to have guests come to Alaska from the lower 48 and Canada, renew friendships over coffee, and renovate our house and cabin.
Any departing wisdom you’d like to share?
Helping someone attain their education can be life-changing for them. We should never forget that it is a privilege to be a teacher.
Regina Boisclair, Professor of Religious Studies
How long have you been at APU? What courses did you teach in that time? What other roles did you fill?
Over 20 years, offered numerous Religion courses. Also taught travel courses to Israel, Rome, and Greece.
Committees Served: Library Committee, Spiritual Life, Faculty Review, Graduation, Registrar.
Hosted over 35 Free Public Lectures; 7 Midsummer Light Bible Institutes (8th to happen this June).
Co-Directed with Dean Marilyn Barry the Engaging Muslims Year Long Program.
What is your fondest memory of your time at APU? Why?
Receiving the outstanding faculty publication award twice. I had not decayed as a scholar.
What was the biggest lesson you learned here? Why?
Working in a largely secular environment with people indifferent or hostile to religions is possible.
Who or what inspired you most at APU? Why?
The friends in Liberal Studies who helped me during my 2017 illness. I would not have survived without them.
What do you hope the future of APU looks like?
More students!
What’s next? What are you most excited about your upcoming retirement?
Moving to Hingham MA, and writing the three books that I have long wanted to publish:
Women in the Biblical World
Proclaiming Contempt: Anti-Judaism in the Three-Year Sunday Lectionaries?
Proclaiming Salvation: Soteriology of the Gospel Selections in the Lectionary
Beth Sullivan, Academic Dean
How long have you been at APU? What courses did you teach in that time? What other roles did you fill?
I joined APU in February 2005, as Director of Distance Education and the RANA Program (Rural Alaska Native Adult distance education program). I served as faculty member in Liberal Studies, Chairperson in the Liberal Studies area, and now Academic Dean.
What is your fondest memory of your time at APU? Why?
Working with RANA students from across the state of Alaska – it was an honor to be a part of the RANA program, working with dedicated faculty and staff, providing pathways to relevant, meaningful education through distance education particularly to serve Alaska Native and rural communities.
Related: working with students from various degree programs to value their prior education and professional experience, in order that they might move in efficient ways to degree completion.
What do you hope the future of APU looks like?
Sustainable, robust, serving the needs of Alaska communities.
What’s next? What are you most excited about your upcoming retirement?
Getting back to some research of my own in the realm of theatre history – and then taking up knitting and carving!
