360º View
The CBSM 360º View offers a comprehensive snapshot of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø of Business and Security Management from the diverse perspectives of our students, faculty, donors, alumni, volunteers, and the CBSM Advisory Council members.
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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.
Tara McGrogan, Fairbanks Community and Public Relations Manager at Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and UAF alumna, shares her perspective as a CBSM Business Advisory Council member.
Tara supports Tracy Vanairsdale during the 2024 Business Leader of the Year event hosted by CBSM.
CBSM has played an important role in shaping my early career, and serving as a Business
Advisory Council (BAC) member is one way I can give back. The Business Advisory Council
serves as a vital bridge between the university and Alaska's business community, and
being part of it allows me to support CBSM efforts and programs that shape so many
students' journeys. Through open dialogue and collaboration, the council helps ensure
students are developing skills that align with employer needs while gaining exposure
to real professional environments well before graduation.
During both my undergraduate and graduate studies, many projects challenged me to
apply concepts to real clients and organizations. An unexpected example is that a few Homeland Security and Emergency Management classes
I took as electives proved very useful for my work at Alyeska. Emergency preparedness
and response are a major part of our operations; those CBSM project experiences laid the foundation for much of the work I do today.
“CBSM does an excellent job of engaging with Alaska businesses and connecting students
with partners outside the classroom. These relationships help students begin their
professional journey early and build confidence as they transition into their careers.
Our business community benefits greatly from the resources CBSM provides.†-Tara McGrogan
A strong alumni and professional network elevates CBSM’s programs and creates meaningful opportunities for students. Reach out to CBSM if you want to contribute to the next generation of business leaders. 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 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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.
Associated Students of Business is a prestigious student group made up of members from other CBSM student organizations and programs and is proud to serve as the Alaska chapter of the National Millennial/GenZ Community. ASB affiliation offers tremendous potential and golden opportunities to its members through facilitation and contribution to GenZ executive conversations, national travel opportunities and networking.
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 Great Alaskan Accounting People’s purpose is to help accounting students learn about the diverse career opportunities available for accounting graduates, acquire an understanding of the day-to-day work of a professional accountant, understand career planning and prepare for successful professional placement. Participation in GAAP develops students into professionals who are confident and qualified to accept staff accountant positions that require interaction with CEOs and other high-level management on a daily basis.
The IAEM Student Chapter at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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.
Native Alaskan Business Leaders is a UAF chapter of the American Indigenous Business Leaders organization. NABL supports Native Alaskan and American Indigenous students interested in business, rural economic development, and other related areas. The goal of NABL is to engage students in business activities; build business acumen, leadership skills, community involvement, and teamwork; provide an extended family support system to help students facilitate the transition from life at home to life at UAF; and create and maintain a strong networking system among the UAF NABL members and other AIBL chapters.
SHRM provides opportunities for networking and helps members learn more about human resources and the real world of business management while building relationships with local professionals and other students. The chapter invites local businesspeople to speak about current developments in the business world and how they will impact future workers. Beyond the regular meetings, SHRM organizes a variety of activities including company tours, student conferences, resume-writing and interviewing workshops, fundraisers, internship programs, and social events.