UAA College of Business and Public Policy

Nelson and Straley Recognized With UAA Chancellor Awards for Excellence

September 11, 2023

The College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) proudly announces that Dr. Terry Nelson and Professor Stasia Straley have been recognized with coveted UAA Chancellor Awards for Excellence. These awards are given to individuals and groups for exceptional service to the UAA community.

Stasia Straley, Professor of Accounting, “Students First” award

Stasia Straley received the 2023 UAA Chancellor’s “Students First” award for exceptional commitment to advancing a culture of institutional excellence that inspires and enables student achievement and success.

“Professor Straley embraces a student-first approach through pedagogy, student engagement, and life-long learning,” said Dr. Terry Nelson, Associate Dean of the College. In 2021, Professor Straley developed the OEC in Bookkeeping, which became the most popular OEC on campus. She also set up a program where advanced accounting students mentor beginning accounting students. Professor Straley stays in contact with students via email, encouraging them to apply for jobs and academic opportunities. She created a summer Accounting Academy so that middle school and high school students could learn more about opportunities in the field. Finally, she inspires and encourages her colleagues as a top presenter for UAA’s Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence, and as the founder of its Power Hour series.

“Professor Straley is a passionate advocate of her chosen field and for her students,” said Dr. John Nofsinger, CBPP Dean. “Her authentic interest in Accounting as a profession is contagious. It has led many students through a doorway to successful and satisfying careers.”

Dr. Terry A. Nelson, Associate Dean of the College, “Chancellor Choice” award

Dr. Terry A. Nelson received the 2023 UAA Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for achievement/innovation in supporting aspiration No. 3 of UAA 2027: “We embrace our role as a trusted and respected community partner.”

“Dr. Nelson has a unique talent and passion for building and strengthening community partners for the College of Business and Public Policy,” said Dr. Nofsinger. She conceived of the CBPP Showcase, opening Rasmuson Hall to the community to celebrate with a post-pandemic in-person event that also highlighted the variety of exceptional programs offered by the College. More than 300 guests attended the first Showcase in 2022, learning about CBPP’s societal impact: a quality education. At the same time, CBPP learned from the community how it can develop a workforce for Alaska business.

Dr. Nelson led the effort to partner with Alaska CHARR (Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association) to bring more certificates and classes to bolster the workforce for the Alaska hospitality industry. She also invented and leads the year-long Tom Case Leadership Fellows Academy for high school students to foster their leadership skills and connections to UAA.

“Dr. Nelson consistently puts her vision and enthusiasm into efforts to bring CBPP and the community together,” Nofsinger said. “This engages all of us in a shared commitment to developing the next generation of Alaska business leaders. She is certainly deserving of this recognition.”

Dr. Nelson previously received the 2018 UAA Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for promoting student achievement and the 2016 UAA Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in community engagement and service.

Congratulations to both Dr. Nelson and Professor Straley for their achievements and recognition by Chancellor Parnell!