360º View

The CBSM 360º View offers a comprehensive snapshot of the College of Business and Security Management from the diverse perspectives of our students, faculty, donors, alumni, volunteers, and the CBSM Advisory Council Chair.

The College of Business and Security Management advisory council is tasked with a vital assignment: work with CBSM leadership to advance its mission, engage the campus with our community, and support CBSM’s commitment to academic excellence, access and diversity. The council meets at least once each semester, receiving and analyzing updates on projects and activities, addressing the college’s strategic plan priorities and advising Dean Carlson and the CBSM leadership team.


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Sense of Community

CBSM cultivates a robust sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni. With a diverse array of events, clubs, and opportunities, all members are encouraged to actively participate. These immersive experiences facilitate connections among students and with community leaders, providing essential support and mentorship. This high level of community engagement ensures that everyone, including our online students, experiences a strong sense of connectedness.

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Elise Berger stands in regalia at UAF commencement.

Quality Programs

Whether in the classroom or online, CBSM programs are recognized for their excellence. The college holds prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of universities worldwide. The faculty bring a wealth of real-world experience and academic expertise to the classroom, providing students with a rich learning environment. CBSM's curriculum prepares students for the workforce with practical projects, such as developing real business plans, and by clearly linking academic concepts to their real-world applications.

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gaap students in seattle

Opportunities Outside the Classroom

Education at CBSM extends beyond traditional learning, focusing on skills like time management, teamwork, and marketing. CBSM offers hands-on opportunities such as national conferences, internships, and student employment.

In spring 2024, four members of the Native Alaskan Business Leaders Club (NABL) attended the American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) Conference in Las Vegas. This event provides Indigenous students with business insights and activities beyond traditional academics. Students compete in business plans, community projects, and elevator pitches, gaining leadership and project management skills.

UAF NABL's efforts were rewarded when they won the university division of the AIBL business plan competition.

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CBSM Scholarship Distribution


CBSM Scholarship Distribution: $265,000 awarded in scholarships, 124 students graduated, 86 CBSM scholarships awards, and over 30 donors made this possible.

 

UAF Business Leader of the Year


UAF Business Leader of the Year logo (Navy blue nook, yellow text)

Since 1977, the College of Business and Security Management has honored business leaders based on leadership, business achievements, community involvement, and educational support. Selected by a committee of students, faculty, advisory board members, and past recipients, this unique event heavily involves students in planning and attendance. Notably, it has recognized three couples, two sets of brothers, and three father-son pairs. Proceeds from ticket sales support CBSM student organizations and scholarships, with donations always welcome. 

 

 

Tracy Vanairsdale stands with dog Copper on a snowy day.
The 2024 UAF Business Leader of the Year is Tracy Vanairsdale, president/principal of Bettisworth North Architects and Planners Inc., who received strong community support. Active in various community organizations, Tracy and her husband, Dave, a UAF alumnus and former ski team captain, enjoy annual ski trips and time with their dog, Copper.

 

Arctic Innovation Competition


AIC logo

The Arctic Innovation Competition rewards creativity and entrepreneurship. Alaska’s original idea contest invites innovators of any age to propose new, feasible and potentially profitable ideas for solving real-life problems and challenges. Youth and adults presented their novel ideas and competed for over $45,000 in awards and prizes.

AIC incentivizes K-12 teachers to implement innovative thinking in the classroom by offering the Classroom of the Future award, as well as $2,000 awards to each placing youth competitor. These funds go directly into an educational savings plan sponsored by .

Additionally, main division competitors can compete for kicker prizes in categories: Arctic; submitted by Alaska college student; climate adaptation; and sustainability. The spirit of innovation thrives as AIC continues to support competitors who apply great ideas to deliver solutions for our future.

Finn Oestgaard stands with giant check and two smaller ones with CBSM Dean an Usibelli Coal Mine representatives.
AIC 1st place main division winner, Finn Oestgaard, stands center with, from left, CBSM Dean Cameron Carlson and, representing Usibelli Coal Mine, Jared Rhea, Justin Seavey and Lisa Cassino, Vice President of Public Relations.
Photo by Sarah Lewis Photography

Student Organizations


Five men and one woman stand in ROTC uniform at a photobooth.
Photo by Beyond the Box Photography.
The UAF ROTC Color Guard smiling for their photo at the Usibelli Coal Mine photobooth during the Business Leader of the Year award reception.
Students gaze at Tanana Chiefs Conference presentation at Alaska Native corporation seminar.
Photo by Jadon Nashoanak.
Students from Great Alaskan Accounting People (GAAP) listen to a guest speaker from Tanana Chiefs Conference at the annual Alaska Native corporation seminar.
Associated Students of Business is a prestigious student group made up of members from other CBSM student organizations and programs and is proud to serve as the Alaska chapter of the National Millennial/GenZ Community. ASB affiliation offers tremendous potential and golden opportunities to its members through facilitation and contribution to GenZ executive conversations, national travel opportunities and networking.

ROTC is an athletic and outdoors-oriented group with a focus on leadership and character. ROTC is composed of individuals who strive to better themselves and face physically and mentally challenging situations. We aim to adapt and overcome the issues of today, tomorrow, and yesterday. As a Cadet Club, we want to teach our club members leadership skills, equip members with real-life experience to take to their future organizations, provide opportunities to volunteer in our community, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

The Great Alaskan Accounting People’s purpose is to help accounting students learn about the diverse career opportunities available for accounting graduates, acquire an understanding of the day-to-day work of a professional accountant, understand career planning and prepare for successful professional placement. Participation in GAAP develops students into professionals who are confident and qualified to accept staff accountant positions that require interaction with CEOs and other high-level management on a daily basis.

The IAEM Student Chapter at the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Fairbanks seeks student support to help promote the vision and mission of academic and research excellence within the fields of emergency management and homeland security. Through effective and efficient communication, teamwork, and networking, we can establish employment opportunities and professional development, advocate the issues most important to our members, and expand our growth and diversity.

Native Alaskan Business Leaders is a UAF chapter of the American Indigenous Business Leaders organization. NABL supports Native Alaskan and American Indigenous students interested in business, rural economic development, and other related areas. The goal of NABL is to engage students in business activities; build business acumen, leadership skills, community involvement, and teamwork; provide an extended family support system to help students facilitate the transition from life at home to life at UAF; and create and maintain a strong networking system among the UAF NABL members and other AIBL chapters.
SHRM provides opportunities for networking and helps members learn more about human resources and the real world of business management while building relationships with local professionals and other students. The chapter invites local businesspeople to speak about current developments in the business world and how they will impact future workers. Beyond the regular meetings, SHRM organizes a variety of activities including company tours, student conferences, resume-writing and interviewing workshops, fundraisers, internship programs, and social events.