We've proved that all over the country. That will attract top faculty, students and, as a result, research dollars. That will keep some of our best Alaska-grown students and draw brilliant new Alaskans. We already have strong programs in these fields, but they can be stronger, both in research and instruction. Mr. Parker says UA should be the No. 1 Arctic research school in the United States, or even the world.
Complementary strengths suggest further cooperation.
This is already the case in Fairbanks, less so in Anchorage. Mr. Burns and Mr. North speak of universities as beacons in their communities. As much as possible, the light needs to reach beyond campus and not just to brighten the state's economy. Education, as Mr. Burns said, is a matter not only of jobs and industry but of living. That's why there's need for French literature, art history and studies of the aurora.