APU Strengthens Alaska Native Governance through new membership model

Alaska Pacific University (APU) unveiled a new governing model brings Tribes, Tribal organizations, and partners into shared leadership, advancing its self-determined Alaska Native University vision.

After first becoming a tribally governed University in 2016 through a strategic membership structure with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), APU is updating its governance structure to a three-tiered membership model that invites participants to provide guidance and support, continuing the University’s Tribal governance approach. This new structure is designed for Tribes, Tribal organizations, and supporting organizations.

“APU is grateful for the meaningful partnership with ANTHC and fully supports their decision to focus priorities and resources on expanding statewide health services for Alaska Native and American Indian people,” the university said in a press release. As part of this renewed focus, ANTHC will be transitioning away from its work in higher education.

APU’s new membership model includes three tiers: Stewardship, Associate, and Allied Membership, each with corresponding leadership opportunities at APU based on the level of financial involvement. By investing in APU, members will help the University advance its vision of becoming a self-defined Alaska Native University, establishing a new model for Tribal higher education.

Currently, there are two key higher education structures designed for Indigenous students exist: Native American–Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Purposeful curriculum development and strong community engagement led to increased enrollment of Alaska Native students, earning APU the federal designation as a NASNTI.

“This new membership model represents an important next step in APU’s journey as a self-defined Alaska Native University,” said Janelle Vanasse, President of APU. “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.”

With this new model, APU stands apart by creating a third path — one that is tribally governed (a distinction unique among NASNTIs) while remaining unrestricted from the constraints of federal oversight.

APU states that after thoughtful discussion with their Elders Council, the University chose to identify as an Alaska Native University, a term that more fully reflects the self-determination and leadership of Alaska Native peoples. This model prioritizes self-determination, allowing the University to remain unobligated to shifting federal priorities and instability. As a result, the university says it can more fully uplift Indigenous knowledge, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure Indigenous leadership continues to guide the University’s future.

APU’s commitment is supported by a 50% graduation rate for Alaska Native students, marking one of the highest graduation rates for Alaska Native students in the state for three years running. This year, APU also ranked in AISES’s Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students for the second year in a row. 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% — one of the highest in the state.