Professor Joins Eielson Outreach Effort
The UAF College of Liberal Arts is proud to celebrate the recent achievement of Dr. Russell Luke, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science. On December 5, 2024, Dr. Luke was officially inducted into the prestigious Honorary Commanders Program at Eielson Air Force Base. He was paired with Major Scott Kozlak of the 354th Comptroller Squadron, forging a partnership designed to strengthen ties between the University, the base, and the broader vlog community.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott Kozlak, 354th Comptroller Squadron commander, presents Russell Luke, vlog Political Science assistant professor, with a honorary commander certificate during the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 5, 2024. Honorary commanders serve as the liaison between the 354th Fighter Wing and the surrounding community by maintaining strong relations through mutually beneficial professional partnerships.
About the Honorary Commanders Program
The Honorary Commanders Program at Eielson Air Force Base serves as a bridge between military personnel and civilian leaders in the local area. Honorary Commanders are carefully selected to act as liaisons between the 354th Fighter Wing and the surrounding community, fostering professional partnerships and building mutual understanding.
Participants in the program gain insights into the Air Force’s mission and the Department of Defense’s global objectives, while military personnel learn more about the community they serve. Dr. Luke’s participation exemplifies this mission, as he works to foster dialogue and collaboration between UAF and Eielson, benefiting students, servicemembers, and the community alike.
Strengthening Ties Between UAF and Eielson
Luke’s induction into the program underscores the Department of Political Science’s dedication to community engagement. “I first became aware of the Honorary Commander program after speaking with students who live on base,” Luke explained. “After conducting research on the program, I applied to become more knowledgeable regarding Eielson’s mission, better understand the needs of students living at Eielson, and to increase communication between the Base and the University.”
As an Honorary Commander, Luke aims to address the unique challenges faced by students from military families while enhancing UAF’s academic environment. By integrating insights from Eielson personnel into his teaching, he hopes to create a dynamic classroom experience that connects theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.
Celebrating UAF Representation at the Induction Ceremony
The induction ceremony marked the start of the 2024–2026 Honorary Commanders cohort. A total of 17 local leaders were honored, including several representatives from UAF, reflecting the institution’s strong commitment to community outreach. Dr. Anupma Prakash, UAF Provost and Vice Chancellor; Brittany Smart, Vice Chancellor of the UAF Research Office; and Dr. Jessica Garron, Research Assistant Professor at the UAF International Arctic Research Center, joined Dr. Luke in forging deeper ties between UAF and Eielson Air Force Base.
The presence of these UAF leaders highlights the University’s role in fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between academic and military communities. The Honorary Commanders Program creates a platform for meaningful exchanges of knowledge and perspectives, paving the way for future partnerships that benefit both the University and the base.
Building a Stronger Community
The Honorary Commanders Program provides UAF with a unique opportunity to further its mission of fostering connections that benefit the local community. Through participation in this initiative, Luke and his fellow inductees are helping to create a framework for meaningful dialogue and shared growth.
Luke emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “My involvement in this program aims to serve as a link between the University and these students to better accommodate the specific challenges they face.” This collaborative approach strengthens relationships while enriching the educational experiences of UAF students, many of whom come from military families.
The Department of Political Science at UAF has long prioritized engagement with the broader community, and Luke’s role in the Honorary Commanders Program exemplifies this commitment. As UAF continues advancing its mission of academic excellence and community integration, partnerships like these will play a vital role in shaping the future of the University and its students.