Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University (APU) is a private university in Anchorage affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1957 as Alaska Methodist University, it took its present name in November 1978.[1]

Overview

The main campus in Anchorage is adjacent to the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Alaska Native Medical Center. Programmes include undergraduate liberal arts and sciences, nine graduate programmes (eight master’s and one doctoral) with several certificates, professional studies for non-traditional students and an Early Honors programme as an alternative to senior year of high school. Fall 2023 enrollment was 578, of whom 437 were undergraduates and 141 postgraduates.[1]

History

The university was established in 1957 as Alaska Methodist University. Donald F. Ebright was elected first administrative president in April 1958 and the campus was dedicated on June 28, 1959. In 1973 it acquired land from the DeWolf-Kellogg Trust for the Kellogg Campus in Palmer, a farm and environmental learning centre, and in November 1978 it was renamed Alaska Pacific University.[1]

Partnerships

In 2016 the university partnered with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and signalled an intention to become a tribal college, though the source does not say it has achieved that status. It is a member of the University of the Arctic and takes part in its north2north mobility programme.[1]

FAQs

When was APU founded? 1957, as Alaska Methodist University.

Where is the main campus? Anchorage.

What is its religious affiliation? United Methodist Church.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Alaska Pacific University

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue