UAA College of Business and Public Policy

First National Bank Alaska’s Generosity Supports UAA’s College of Business & Public Policy Students at Showcase 2024

November 6, 2024

The University of Alaska Anchorage’s (UAA) College of Business & Public Policy (CBPP) is still energized after the success of Showcase 2024, thanks in large part to the incredible support from First National Bank Alaska, the event’s Premier Partner. This valued partnership not only helped make the Showcase a success but also extended to two newly established scholarships for CBPP students, demonstrating First National Bank Alaska’s commitment to advancing Alaska’s future business leaders.

During the event, Chad Steadman, First National Bank Alaska Senior Vice President and Senior Corporate Lending Director, took the stage to announce the bank’s generous gift:

“One new investment I’m particularly pleased to announce here today is the bank’s continuing commitment of support of UAA with the First National Bank Alaska Business Analytics scholarship for students benefiting from the exceptional business education instruction offered right here in the Last Frontier at UAA’s College of Business, which proudly is among just the six percent of business schools worldwide accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.”

The UAA First National Bank Alaska Business Analytics Scholarship, one of two funded by the bank, will support students with financial need pursuing the Business Analytics occupational endorsement certificate (OEC) as well as those enrolled in the new Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business & Data Analytics degree program—the first program of its kind in Alaska. This innovative degree equips students with the data analytics skills essential for success in today’s data-driven business world.

The second scholarship focuses on CBPP finance students with financial need. With 100 students currently enrolled, the finance program continues to expand, bolstered by the resources of the First National Bank Alaska Finance Lab—a state-of-the-art facility supporting both in-person and hybrid learning and collaboration. Equipped with a Bloomberg Terminal, the lab provides hands-on experience with real-time financial data, allowing students to develop analytical skills in a professional-grade environment similar to that used by institutional investors and analysts.

CBPP’s interim dean, Dr. Terry Nelson had this to say: “The College of Business & Public Policy is thrilled by the outstanding success of Showcase 2024, made possible by the invaluable support of First National Bank Alaska. This partnership not only elevated the Showcase but also empowered our students through the creation of two new scholarships, highlighting First National Bank Alaska’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of business leaders.”

UAA and CBPP are grateful for their partnership with First National Bank Alaska, which opens doors for Alaskan students to pursue their college degrees and prepares them for promising careers within the state. Through their sustained generosity, First National Bank Alaska is helping to grow Alaska’s workforce and foster the next generation of leaders in finance and business.