University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast is a regional unit of the University of Alaska statewide system of higher education. Established on July 1, 1987 with the restructuring of the former University of Alaska Juneau, Ketchikan Community College, and Islands Community College (Sitka), the University of Alaska Southeast serves the residents of southeastern Alaska with campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka.
Sitka Campus
History
The Sitka campus (founded as Sitka Community College in 1962) shares in Sitka’s heritage of being the former capital of Russian America. Sitka is rich in history and a popular tourist destination. Mt. Edgecumbe, known as Alaska’s Mount Fuji, dominates the horizon across the water from the city. The Sitka campus awards both certificates and associate degrees.
Economy
Sitka, with a population of 8,835, is diversified with fishing, fish
processing, tourism, government, transportation, retail, and health
care services. Sitka is a port of call for many cruise ships each
summer. Regional health care services provide approximately 675 jobs.
The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Coast Guard are significant federal
employers.
Location
Sitka is located on the west coast of Baranof Island fronting the Pacific Ocean on Sitka Sound. It is 95 air miles southwest of Juneau, and 185 miles northwest of Ketchikan. An extinct volcano, Mount Edgecumbe rises 3,200 feet above the community.
Climate
January temperatures average 23 to 35; summers vary from 48 to 61. Average annual precipitation of 90 inches of rain and 39 inches of snow each year.
