Arctic Leadership Lecture Series
The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series offers a unique blend of academic rigor and public engagement. Offered as PS F493/693 Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, this course invites students and community members alike to explore critical aspects of leadership in the Arctic.
The course is available via online delivery for undergraduate and graduate students. Community members may attend the lectures for free or enroll as non-degree-seeking students to participate fully in the course.
Lectures are held via Zoom every Wednesday from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM AKST (open to public). Classroom discussions continue from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM AKST (students only).
Public lecture Zoom Link coming soon.
Fall 2025 Speaker Schedule
Each lecture is part of the PS F493/693 course curriculum and explores leadership
in the Arctic from different perspectives.
Students enrolled in the course will engage in deeper classroom discussions following
the lectures, while community members can participate as audience members.
Pages for upcoming events will be available as the dates approach!
Fall 2025 Speaker Schedule Coming Soon!
Course Enrollment
Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or community member interested in exploring leadership in the Arctic, we have flexible options for participation.
Undergraduate Course (PS F493: Special Topics)
CRN 76438
Graduate Course (PS F693: Special Topics)
CRN 76443
Interested in taking this class but not pursuing a degree? You can enroll as a non-degree-seeking
student at UAF. Visit Non-Degree Enrollment at UAF to start the process. Apply for
admission as a non-degree student (no application fee required). Use the CRN for the
desired course to register.
Meet the Course Instructor
Chanda Meek, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science
GRUE 604B
Dr. Meek is an interdisciplinary social scientist specializing in environmental and marine policy. She has worked with and researched policy options for community-based resource management and collaborative management since the mid-1990s and now teach courses related to government and politics in Canada, the Arctic, comparative Indigenous rights and research design for graduate students and undergraduate students at UAF. She has active research projects related to marine mammals and environmental change, governance of social-ecological systems, adaptive governance of Arctic systems, and policy learning from disasters. She has published in the journals Global Environmental Change, Marine Policy, Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Polar Geography, Journal of Environmental Management, and the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Journal of Anthropology and is a contributor to a new volume from Cambridge University Press, "Principles for Building Resilience."
Archive
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: Arctic Academia and Research
April 10, 2025
Scholars Terry Chapin and Oran Young explore Arctic research, policy impact, and career paths in academia, sustainability, and environmental leadership.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: Business and Industry in the Arctic
March 28, 2025
Join Erec S. Isaacson and Dr. Mark Myers for a fireside chat on leadership, industry challenges, and business in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s Arctic.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: Media in the Arctic
March 21, 2025
Journalists Andrew Kitchenman and Brian O’Donoghue share insights on Arctic media, reporting challenges, and the evolving role of journalism in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: Arctic Military Leadership
March 12, 2025
Explore military leadership in the Arctic with Colonel Russell Vanderlugt and Captain Tim Williams as they discuss strategy, challenges, and career insights.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Corporations
February 28, 2025
Join Dan Graham & TJ Presley for insights on leadership in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native corporations, their journeys, challenges, and advice for future leaders.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Leadership, Week 2
February 21, 2025
Join Dalee Sambo Dorough & Valerie Davidson for a talk on ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native leadership, advocacy, and governance, sharing insights from their journeys and work.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Leadership, Week 1
February 14, 2025
Join Ed Alexander for a talk on ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native leadership, exploring his journey, challenges, and insights as Co-Chair of Gwich'in Council International.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Supreme Court
February 07, 2025
Join ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Supreme Court Justices Sue Carney and Jude Pate for an insightful discussion on justice in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ State Legislature, Week 2
January 31, 2025
Senator Natasha von Imhof and Sarah Evans discuss leadership in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s legislature, tackling challenges, and inspiring future policy leaders.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ State Legislature
January 24, 2025
Join Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson as she shares insights into leadership in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s legislature, her journey, and advice for future leaders.
Arctic Leadership Lecture Series: Borough Mayors
January 17, 2025
Join Bryce Ward and Luke Hopkins, former Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayors, as they shares insights on leadership and governance in the North.