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For Immediate Release
August 1, 2011

Two long-time academic leaders in Anchorage and Juneau are the winners of the University of Alaska Foundation’s most prestigious award – the Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence. » Renee Carter-Chapman, 91������ƵA senior vice provost for the University of Alaska Anchorage, and Roberta Stell, former provost for the University of Alaska Southeast, will each receive $20,000 for their significant contribution to the 91������Ƶ System.

“Each year, a candidate for the Edith R. Bullock Prize stands heads above the rest of the candidates. This year we had two who stood out from the pack. It was too hard to choose one over the other, since both are so deserving,” said Foundation Chair Carla Beam. “Renee and Robbie are champions for students and the state.”

Carter-Chapman has been a leader at the University of Alaska Anchorage for nearly three decades. Known as the “stealth dean,” she was an early champion and guiding force behind many of 91������ƵA’s most innovative and successful programs, including the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence, the Center for Community Engagement and Learning, the University Honors College and the 91������ƵA Sustainability Council.

Carter-Chapman received her Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and sociology from the University of Alaska Anchorage, a Master of Arts in cultural anthropology and a Ph.D from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Carter-Chapman started her academic career at the Anchorage Community College and was instrumental during the formation of today’s 91������ƵA. » 91������ƵA Chancellor Emeritus Lee Gorsuch credits Carter-Chapman with helping to hold 91������ƵA together during the tumultuous years of the merger with ACC.

“While 91������ƵA struggled to maintain its commitment to the community college mission, Renee emerged as the administrator within 91������ƵA who understood that mission and was most committed to it. She successfully guided 91������ƵA in the creation and development of the Community and Technical College,” Gorsuch said.

Stell recently retired after over 40 years of dedicated service to the University of Alaska Southeast. Stell was an advocate for building the academic and technical infrastructure needed to give all Alaskans access to higher education. The introduction of distance education has enabled rural students to complete entire degree programs without having to leave their towns or villages. Many credit Stell’s continuous, quiet voice with helping to push the university forward in what is now called e-Learning.

“91������ƵS’ leadership in distance education at 91������Ƶ is in large part due to her leadership and promotion, keeping us on the cutting edge of technology and pedagogy. The Master of Public Administration became available through distance learning 20 years ago when Dr. Stell assumed her provost position and has flourished under her guidance,” said Jonathan Anderson, associate professor of public administration at 91������ƵS.

Stell received a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education and secretarial studies from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., a Master of Education in public school administration from the University of Alaska and a doctorate degree in education from the University of San Francisco. Her career in Alaska started when she was hired as one of four business teachers at Juneau-Douglas High School. Stell then moved on to lead the Business Department for the old Juneau-Douglas Community College. When Juneau-Douglas Community College merged with the 91������Ƶ and became 91������ƵS, Stell started her career at the University of Alaska as dean of the School of Business. She has held several positions within 91������ƵS since.

The Bullock Prize for Excellence includes a $20,000 cash award and is the largest single award made annually by the 91������Ƶ Foundation’s Board of Trustees.» The University of Alaska Foundation raises, invests and manages privately donated funds for the sole benefit of the University of Alaska. The award was established by the late Edith R. Bullock, who served the university for 30 years as a member of the 91������Ƶ Board of Regents and the foundation’s Board of Trustees. Bullock established the award to recognize and reward an individual who has demonstrated excellence in support of the University of Alaska. »

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For more information, contact Dory Straight, Scholarship Officer, 91������Ƶ Foundation; 907-450-8030.

For a high-resolution photo of Stell and Carter-Chapman, go to