Graduate School Dean 
Mary Jo Finney, PhD

The Graduate School Dean, in their role as the Chief Academic Officer for Graduate education at UAA, has the responsibility for leadership and oversight of all graduate programs and issues. The Dean has administrative management of graduate programs, policies, program review, and program standards and supervises all elements of the Graduate School. The Graduate School staff, Graduate Academic Board (GAB), Graduate Advisory Council carry out the functions of the Graduate School based on her authority.

Mary Jo has taught almost exclusively at the master’s and post-master’s degree levels while also serving as chair of numerous doctoral dissertation committees. She has experience with curriculum and course development in secondary urban teacher preparation, an education specialist degree program, and nurse educator program. She has  overseen eight graduate degree programs in the Education Department and, as chair and member of the UM-Flint Graduate Advisory Board for over ten years, She is well acquainted with graduate programs from nearly every academic department and all academic units on campus. 

Leading the Graduate School demands the utmost diplomacy in working with both internal and external constituents to advocate for and secure resources while maintaining sound relationships. Given that Mary Jo has been regularly called upon to serve in an advocacy role, she has considerable experience and demonstrated skill in doing so. Her communication skills are highly adaptable as she has conversed with Elders in remote Alaskan villages, conducted workshops in Spanish (with limited Spanish language proficiency), collaborated with a pastor in inner-city Flint, and asked CEOs of foundations for financial support. She values the privilege of serving as a spokesperson and advocate for the UAA Graduate School across numerous venues and plans to meet with success in each of these interactions. 

Since all of her work is rooted in relationships, the call to establish and develop partnerships with the community, industry groups, and advisory boards for workforce development is one of her strongest capabilities. UAA's commitment to underrepresented students suggests a stance toward higher education that she shares and welcomes. 

Tel: 907-786-1097
Room: ADM 221
Email: mjfinney@alaska.edu