Michael Baker

Alaska Pacific University (APU) is implementing a new three-tiered membership model to strengthen Alaska Native governance and advance its vision of becoming a self-defined Alaska Native University. This new model, encompassing Stewardship, Associate, and Allied Memberships, aims to establish a unique approach to Tribal higher education. The strategic vision is built upon being Tribally governed and sanctioned, featuring Indigenous-centered curriculum, and offering programs specifically designed to address the needs of Alaska Native communities. This initiative is intended to prioritize self-determination, uplift Indigenous knowledge, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure Indigenous leadership guides the University's future, with the long-term goal of cultivating courageous leaders for the next seven generations.

Alaska Pacific University's strategic plan centers around honoring Alaska's Indigenous heritage, pursuing excellence, and creating pathways for students. The plan emphasizes a world-class, hands-on, culturally responsive education in collaboration with students, communities, and Tribal partners. Core themes include learning, growth, innovation, community engagement, and stewardship. Strategic objectives focus on cultivating a multicultural community, assisting students in achieving their potential, acting responsibly, developing relevant curriculum and culturally responsive delivery methods, improving student services, providing employee development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous assessment, providing academic programs meeting Alaska's needs, conducting community-based research, engaging Alaska Native Elders, developing as a cultural center, facilitating experiential learning, and embodying sustainability and data-driven decision-making. The plan aims to align all actions with the university's vision, mission, and values.