After years of pursuing a designation as a tribal college, Alaska Pacific University (APU) is heading down a different path. The school in Anchorage is choosing to identify as an Alaska Native University, an alternative to the established higher education structures for Indigenous students: Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities.
To help advance this vision, APU is updating its governance structure into a three-tiered membership model, not unlike donor-supported not-for-profit organizations.
Third Pat
Purposeful curriculum development and strong community engagement led to increased enrollment of Alaska Native students, which earned APU the federal designation as a NASNTI. APU’s commitment is supported by a 50 percent graduation rate for Alaska Native students, marking one of the highest graduation rates for Alaska Native students in the state for three years running.
Now APU stands apart by creating a third path. In consultation with APU’s Elders Council, the university chose to identify as an Alaska Native University to better reflect the self-determination and leadership of Alaska Native peoples. This innovative model prioritizes self-determination, allowing the University to remain unobligated to shifting federal priorities…