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.
Jeff Kulawiak, Senior IT Sustainability, Security, Incident Manager at Symetra Life Insurance Company and UAF Alumnus, shares his perspective as the CBSM Business Advisory Council Chair.
Jeff supports the Nanooks at the UAF vs. Arizona State Hockey game in Tempe, AZ with UAF Alumni friends, 2024.
As the chair of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), I am driven to add value and elevate the education at CBSM. My goal is to ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and skills for success. I aim to mobilize the council to actively advise on programs, enhance student experiences, and advocate for CBSM.
The rapid pace of change in business, security, and technology presents both challenges and opportunities. Adapting our education to keep it relevant and preparing students to lead confidently in an accelerated business world is essential.
"I believe in UAF and in CBSM. The dedicated faculty and staff offer a unique experience in Alaska and a quality education, creating a frontier where students can thrive, learn, and shape their future. I look forward to seeing continued growth in enrollment, increased recognition of our program's success, and building additional advocacy to support CBSM's future opportunities." - Jeff Kulawiak
Alumni and business professionals can support CBSM by becoming mentors, offering internships, and engaging with the BAC. Reflect on what helped in your own career transition and reach out to Dean Carlson or me to explore how you can assist the BAC or advocate for CBSM. Email: uafcbsm@alaska.edu or call 907-474-7461.
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.
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.
Read Elise's Quote
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.
CBSM Scholarship Distribution
UAF Business Leader of the Year
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.
Arctic Innovation Competition
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.
Photo by Sarah Lewis Photography
“We have partnered with AIC for many years. What a great fit, because at Usibelli
Coal Mine, innovation is what we do. We solve everyday problems. The world is changing
every single day. We must adapt to the problems that challenge us and force us to
step out of our comfort zone. The youth competitors bring a fresh perspective to problem
solving. It is inspiring to watch these talented young people, who are going to be
the leaders of tomorrow, as they present their ideas and are so proud of what they
have done.â€
Lisa Cassino
Vice President of Public Relations, Usibelli Coal Mine
Student Organizations
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 from Great Alaskan Accounting People (GAAP) listen to a guest speaker from Tanana Chiefs Conference at the annual Alaska Native corporation seminar.
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 IAEM Student Chapter at the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø 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.