窪蹋勛圖厙 of Liberal Arts
The 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Liberal Arts is proud to honor Kevin Carroll as the 20242025 Outstanding Bachelor of Fine Arts Student in the Department of Art. A senior with a minor in art history, Kevins path to this recognition includes years of military service, parenthood, and a deepening creative practice grounded in discipline, reintegration, and intention.
Carrolls return to the classroom came after nearly 11 years of service in the military. That transitionfrom a world of constant structure and accountability to one of open-ended possibilitywas jarring. It is hard to reintegrate into a society where nothings really expected of you, he said. One day youre accountable for someone elses actions in another department and the next, youre just allowed to be in the world. Its kind of weird.
What helped, he said, was UAFs unique environmentone where the art department, student employment, and veteran-friendly support systems offered connection and purpose. Being part of the UAF community really helped with reintegration, Carroll said. It was so relaxed, and the professors were wise to the idea that there are a lot of veterans in the community.
Carroll began working full-time for UAF Facilities as a sheet metal technician while taking one or two classes at a time, building relationships across the campus and community. That job let me meet lifelong friendsnot just other students, but people from Fairbanks itself, he said. And UAF always has things going on that involve the community. I love that about this place.
Now a full-time student and father to a toddler, Carrolls motivations are rooted in both personal values and practical realities. This is a job for me, he explained. Im using the GI Bill, and if I dont pass my classes, I lose the monthly housing allowance that helps support my family. So I have to show up. I have to produce.
And yet, beyond necessity, theres meaning. Even if I dont like the class, I try to extract something from it that makes that time away from my kid worth it, he said. I feel guilty when Im not with him, so I have to make it count.
Carroll brings a wide array of interests to his academic path. In addition to his BFA in art, hes nearly completed minors in physics and mathematics. I dont know if Ill do that on this iteration of my degree, he said with a smile, but maybe on the next one.
As for the future, Carroll is keeping his options open. Hes drawn to teaching and mentoring, especially given the states need for educators, but hes also interested in hospice work or even becoming a death doula. Having gone through a lot in my life, I feel like I could give something to people on either end of the spectrumthose just starting out, or those on their way out, he said.
Carrolls story speaks to the strength of the UAF Art Department and the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Liberal Arts more broadlyspaces that embrace nontraditional students, support creative exploration, and empower individuals to align their academic work with the challenges and transformations of real life.
