This spring, Polly Watson will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Alaska Pacific University (APU). Starting her degree in 2023, Watson worked diligently to complete her studies while simultaneously holding a demanding full-time position. Her dedication has paid off—not only is she earning her degree, but she was also recently promoted to Vice President of Operations at Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), a significant milestone in her career.

Beyond her professional success, Watson remains deeply involved in her community. She serves as a Board Member for Bay View, Inc., an Alaska Village Corporation, and proudly embraces her Sugpiaq/Alutiiq heritage by crafting traditional headdresses and regalia. She and her husband, Gary, reside in Anchorage, where they cherish time with their three adult children and two grandsons.

APU’s Flexibility: A Key to Success

For Watson, APU’s program flexibility was a deciding factor in choosing where to pursue her degree. With her professional responsibilities requiring frequent travel, she needed a program that could adapt to her schedule.

“My classes were all online, which was extremely helpful,” she explains. “I cannot emphasize the benefit of that enough because in my role, I travel quite a bit. Even on the road, I was able to access my classes. If it was mandatory to be in person, I don’t know if I would have been able to pursue my degree with APU.”

Despite being online, Watson found her courses engaging and valuable. She particularly appreciated how some professors used creative approaches to keep students involved. Work groups and collaborative projects helped her not only learn but also expand her professional network.

A Personal and Supportive Learning Experience

Reflecting on her time at APU, Watson highlights the university’s personalized approach to education.

“It felt very personal, and I didn’t feel like just a number. I got to know my professors very well, and I greatly appreciated how each one was so engaged,” she shares.

Initially, she had some hesitation about returning to school, concerned that she would be surrounded by much younger students. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the diverse age range of her classmates, which made her experience even more enriching.

APU’s advisors also played a critical role in her success. When a required class wasn’t available last fall, her advisors worked with faculty to create a course that met her and other students’ Indigenous studies requirement, ensuring she stayed on track for graduation.

Lasting Connections and Future Goals

For Watson, the most impactful part of her educational journey has been the relationships she built along the way.

“I’m really thankful that I got to build my network and get to know such incredible people,” she says.

Her academic journey doesn’t end here. This summer, she will continue at APU, pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration while stepping into her new leadership role at BBNC.

Advice for Current Students

Watson encourages students to take full advantage of the resources available to them.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisors,” she advises. “They are going to be the greatest asset to your success.”

With her tenacity, professional drive, and commitment to lifelong learning, Polly Watson exemplifies the spirit of APU—balancing education, career, and community to create a meaningful and impactful life.