Liberal Studies

Spring 2018 Grads: Ian McDermod

Programs completed at APU: B.A. Outdoor Studies - Concentration in Land Management Project Title: My senior project is titled: “Creating an Outdoor Documentary Film: The Elucidation of Adventure.” Essentially, I produced, captured, and edited a short outdoor documentary film that follows three kayakers: Becca, Maryann, and Sam, for a portion of their nearly 2,000-mile river trip down ...

Spring 2018 Grads: Jonathon Lee Singler

Programs completed at APU: Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Studies Minor(s): Counseling Psychology & Outdoor Studies Project Title and what it entails: Alaska Pacific University Competency-Based Education: Chess in Academia The project literature reviews competency-based education (CBE), the structure of APU curriculum, and the correlational skills in chess that meet the demands of the Depa...

Winter 2017 Grads: Megan Talley

Programs completed at APU: Master of Arts Program Project Title: Examining the Collaborative Process of Performing Arts as Resistance and Transformation Regarding the Industrial Food System Hometown: Stillwater, Oklahoma Best Classes at APU: Since MAP is an independent study program, I did not take classes in a traditional sense. I worked with a series of mentors who guided me through my ...

Alumni Spotlight: Sugpiaq language teacher John Yakanak

By Aaron Tooyak John Yakanak (’16) is among APU’s newest graduates. John graduated with his bachelor’s in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Liberal Studies, “I’m still electrified over it”, exclaimed in happiness. John plans to pursue his master’s degree in our very own Masters in Counseling Psychology Program (MSCP) upon completion of a summer internship at the Covenant House v...

The Personalized Learning Experience: An Alumni Perspective

By Miriam Mezzetti One of the most remarkable things about my alma mater, Alaska Pacific University, is that it provides a personalized educational experience to each student. As the APU vision states, the university is “a leading active learning community igniting personal passion, self-discovery, and deep learning.” Because of this, people from all walks of life, united by a desire to learn...

Professor Spotlight: Mei Mei Evans

Professor Mei Mei Evans has taught college English for twenty-five years –over half of them at APU. Her scholarly work is interdisciplinary, leading her to co-edit an academic anthology, “The Environmental Justice Reader” and to publish articles addressing the intersection of nature and culture. Evans’s novel, “Oil and Water,” based on true-life events of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill in ...

My APU Promise Tuition Grant Experience

by Miriam Mezzetti Rising tuition costs nationally and an increase in student debt are two issues plaguing much of the world of higher education today. Students with great financial need, such as those eligible for the Pell Grant, are especially vulnerable to this growing trend. Before I knew about APU’s Promise Tuition Grant, as one of these Pell-eligible students, I worried that I would not b...

Mind: blown – An Expedition Alaska Story

By Rob Anderson Having never guided a raft down a river before, I wasn't sure what to expect from a ten day trip in the Alaskan bush. I had no idea that I was going to have my mind blown by the Northern Lights, or that I would sleep out under the stars with only a sleeping bag and a rainfly on top of me. Expedition Alaska took me to places that many people only dream of; to a part of Alaska...

Dena Luchsinger

Career Goals My career goals are not specific; I simply want to hone my skills and be prepared for whatever the future may hold, whether that means writing for publication, an organization, or teaching/tutoring writing skills. Why APU? APU offered the program that best fit my needs by allowing me to design my program of study. What have you enjoyed most about MAP? I have appreciated the indiv...

Dave Block

Career Goals Continue in the education profession and extend my abilities into the realm of Theatre and the Arts. Why APU? APU offers the only program in the state that is local and offers a degree in the area I wanted. It is flexible and built to suit MY needs. What have you enjoyed most about MAP? The flexibility of the program offers students a chance to adapt their program as they go to t...

Kathy Trump

Career Goals I am currently a teacher with the Mat-Su Borough School District. I plan to remain there, in the same great job, but am seeking a Masters to sharpen my critical thinking skills and knowledge base. Why APU? APU partnered with the Skagway School District to create an eighteen credit graduate course in American history designed to help teachers become highly qualified in history. I wa...

Matt Childs

Career Goals I am currently employed as a computer programmer (which I enjoy immensely) – however I would like to teach history someday at either the high school or college level. Why APU? I chose APU because it gives me the chance to work one on one with faculty who are genuinely interested in their students. It’s rare to find a program that offers both flexibility and an environment very ...

Kelly Springer

Career Goals To obtain a doctorate in mass communications and teach journalism. Why APU? The fit of the program; being able to study the area I wanted- especially as there are no journalism programs in state at the graduate level. What have you enjoyed most about MAP? The individuality of both the program itself and the people involved. Plus, the flexibility and precision of each phase allow ...

Liz Hilpert

Career Goals I hope to teach and counsel individuals in the ways of vocal technique and health (B.S. emphasis in nutrition.) Why APU? Because it’s APU! I enjoyed my break from the role of ‘student’ but after years of observing the outstanding work of faculty and contribution from staff, I decided I couldn’t pass an opportunity to revisit the study of music. What have you enjoyed most a...