About University of Alaska Southeast Sitka

The University of Alaska Southeast is a regional unit of the University of Alaska statewide system of higher education. Established on July 1, 1987 with the restructuring of the former University of Alaska Juneau, Ketchikan Community College, and Islands Community College (Sitka), the University of Alaska Southeast serves the residents of southeastern Alaska with campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka.

History

The Sitka campus (founded as Sitka Community College in 1962) shares in Sitka's rich cultural heritage. Native Alaskans have lived in this area for 11,000 years, the Russian's made it their North American capital, and the Americans bought it from Russia in 1867. Mt Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, dominates the horizon across Sitka Sound. The Sitka campus awards workforce credentials, occupational endorsements, certificates and associate degrees.

Sitka, with a population of 8,881, is diversified with fishing, fish processing, tourism, government, transportation, retail, and health care services. Sitka is a port of call for many cruise ships each summer. Regional health care services and education provide jobs. The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Coast Guard are significant federal employers.

Sitka is located on the west coast of Baranof Island fronting the Pacific Ocean on Sitka Sound. It is 95 air miles southwest of Juneau, and 185 miles northwest of Ketchikan. An extinct volcano, Mount Edgecumbe rises 3,200 feet above the community.