Keynote Speaker: Dr. Janelle Vanasse
Dr. Janelle Vanasse is the 13th president of Alaska Pacific University, joining
the university on June 1, 2022.
Dr. Vanasse has been a leader in education for more than 30 years,
specifically at schools and institutions that prioritize Alaska Native education.
Immediately prior to joining APU, Vanasse served as superintendent of Mt.
Edgecumbe High School in Sitka. She also held a range of leadership roles in
the Bethel area, including director of secondary education for the Lower
Kuskokwim School District, principal and site administrator for Bethel Regional
High School, and founding director of Yuut Elitnaurviat, a regional training
center for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. She started her education career in
Alaska as a teacher and education specialist at schools in Bethel and
Fairbanks.
Throughout her career, Dr. Vanasse has elevated the educational experience
for Alaska Native students. She believes that scholarship and leadership are
enhanced when influenced by our authentic selves and she delights in
recognizing past students in emerging leadership roles around the state.
Dr. Vanasse holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from St. Cloud
State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from University
of Alaska Anchorage, and a doctorate in educational leadership from
Gonzaga University. Her most recent academic work includes research about
the power of cultural self-identity in college persistence.
Ethan Petticrew
Ethan Petticrew has worked all over the state of Alaska as a teacher, administrator, and curriculum coordinator. His experiences and education have given him unique perspective into what makes the field of teaching such an important one; especially in a state as diverse as Alaska.
Ethan’s passion is transforming education for the benefit of Alaska Native students and all Alaskan students. By encouraging more Alaskan students to go into the field of education, he firmly believes that an increase in traditional knowledge and a respect for cultural values will be reflected. “If we’re going to have any success as a people…then education is a big part of it.”
Ethan is a retired educator with over 21 years in the classroom. He has also served as a curriculum coordinator for Aleutian Region School District and as the Vice President for Cultural and Educational Services at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Currently he is the Executive Director for Cook Inlet Native Head Start. He received a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska, Southeast. Later he attained a Master of Arts in Education for Curriculum and Instruction from Ball State University.