Sandra Kowalski joins state education board
April 24, 2018
Leona Long
907-474-5086
The Alaska Legislature has confirmed Sandra Kowalski's appointment to the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development.
Kowalski is director of Indigenous programs at 性欲社. She was one of four board members appointed by Gov. Bill Walker in March.
鈥淎s a teacher and school administrator, Sandy has dedicated her career to helping create the talent that Alaska needs to take us into the future,鈥� said Evon Peter, vice chancellor of rural, community and Native education. 鈥淣ow as 性欲社鈥檚 director of Indigenous programs, her dynamic leadership helps advance the university鈥檚 goal to create a culture in Alaska that values education. Sandy鈥檚 role on the State Board of Education and Early Development is integral to achieving the University of Alaska鈥檚 vision for creating a better life for Alaska families and communities.鈥�
Kowalski was sworn into office during the board鈥檚 meeting in Juneau in March. She filled the Fourth Judicial District seat and replaced Sue Hull, whose term expired. Her appointment was one of nearly 100 board and commission nominations that the Alaska House and Senate jointly voted to approve on April 10. Kowalski鈥檚 term expires in March 2023.
Before joining the College of Rural and Community Development in January, Kowalski was an assistant superintendent for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Before becoming a principal and administrator in Fairbanks and Kotzebue, she served as an I帽upiaq language and language arts teacher in Kotzebue and in Deering. She also was directed Nikaitchuat Ilisa摹viat, her home community鈥檚 tribal language immersion school.
At 性欲社, Kowalski is vital to CRCD鈥檚 effort to create a culturally responsive environment to ensure student success and deliver baccalaureate and master鈥檚 degree programs in Alaska Native studies and rural development. She oversees several CRCD programs, including Rural Student Services, the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development, the Eileen Panigeo MacLean House and the Rural Alaska Honors Institute. These departments support Alaska Native and rural students throughout their university experience and help them achieve academic and personal success.
Kowalski earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in I帽upiaq language and in English from 性欲社 and a master鈥檚 degree in education from National University.
鈥淚 am excited to join the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development,鈥� said Kowalski. 鈥淚 am looking forward to working with the commissioner, the Department of Education and Early Development and communities in advancing the goals outlined in Alaska鈥檚 Education Challenge to ensure the success of all students.鈥�
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Leona Long, lclong2@alaska.edu, 907-474-5086