Alaska Pacific University Pursues Alternative Tribal College Model with Membership Strategy
Photo Credit: Alaska Business
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.
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May 2026
Tribal governance is already unique among NASNTIs, and APU says its new direction more fully uplifts Indigenous knowledge and strengthens community partnerships while remaining unrestricted from the constraints of federal oversight.
APU became a tribally governed university in 2016 through a strategic partnership with the neighboring Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. As part of APU’s renewed focus, the consortium is transitioning away from its higher education work to focus on its other mission areas.
The updated governance structure also includes a three-tiered membership model that invites participants to provide guidance and support. The three tiers—Steward, Associate, and Ally—correspond with leadership opportunities at APU based on the level of financial involvement.
Stewardship membership is reserved for recognized tribes and tribal organizations seeking to educate their workforce and constituency. This is the highest level of membership and includes an appointed seat on the Board of Trustees, along with an annual financial commitment.
Associate membership is designed for tribes and tribal organizations that wish to sanction APU as an Alaska Native University without a financial commitment. Associate members may nominate a trustee for an at-large seat on the APU Board of Trustees and receive priority consideration for open seats.
Allied membership is open to non-tribal entities and individuals who wish to support the emerging Alaska Native University model through annual financial contributions. Allied members may also nominate a trustee for an at-large seat on the APU Board of Trustees.
“This new membership model represents an important next step in APU’s journey as a self-defined Alaska Native University,” says APU President Janelle Vanasse. “It deepens our partnerships with Alaska’s tribes and supporting organizations, ensuring that Alaska Native leadership and knowledge continue to guide our governance and vision. These members are core to our Alaska Native University vision.”
Members enjoy a range of benefits designed to strengthen partnerships and advance shared goals. These include the opportunity to participate in a shared-cost scholarship program for employees and constituents, discounts on facility use and other university services, priority access to facility rentals and housing for trainees and interns, participation in program and advisory committees, and a voice in shaping APU’s future and helping determine priorities for program development.
As a fully accredited, four-year university, APU offers programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees, emphasizing hands-on, purpose-driven learning. Additionally, APU is not just a university for Indigenous students but a place of learning for all students. This is exemplified in the university’s overall graduation rate of 47 percent, which it notes is one of the highest in the state.
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