Alumni Profile: Thomas Mack, B.Ed. '96

Coming from King Cove, a small rural community located on the tip of the Alaska Peninsula, Thomas Mack felt like a little fish in a big sea going to college at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Thomas spent much of his childhood commercial salmon fishing on his father's boat. "Fishing was exciting and I was making good money for someone then in high school, but I knew I wanted something more," Thomas said.

Not a lot of people from King Cove had a college degree when Thomas was in high school. The people that stood out to him were the teachers that held advanced degrees. He knew he wanted to continue his education, but wasn't familiar with the process of applying for college or even registering for classes. One of his teachers helped him select classes and showed him how to get started.

Making the decision to leave King Cove for college was a big step for Thomas, but UAA helped make that adjustment easier with helpful and encouraging staff. "I give a lot of credit to my mentor, Phyllis Breeden, whom I did my first educational practicum class with through UAA. She helped shaped me into the amazing educator I am today."

While attending UAA, during summer breaks, he returned home to commercial fish with his family. Thomas was in and out of college, and wasn't sure what he wanted to do in life in his early adult years. What he did know was that he wanted to help people and not forget where he came from. For a long time, Thomas was pursuing a business administration degree until one of his friends convinced him to switch to education.

Thomas participated in many different activities on campus; he played intramural basketball, enjoyed UAA social events and was involved with three honor societies: Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Alpha Theta and Golden Key International Honour Society. Activities like these help give students who live off campus opportunities to get more involved, making it easier for them to feel part of the student community.

Thomas stays involved with the UAA community by attending hockey and basketball games, theatre and dance performances, and using the sports facilities occasionally. He believes UAA's strong presence in the community is important. "Having a place where students can get an education can improve Alaska's workforce, molding a group of individuals who will make Alaska a better place to live."

After earning his Bachelor of Education from UAA in 1996, he taught in the Anchorage School District for 10 years and later earned his Master of Science from Western Oregon University. In 2009, he completed his Master of Business Administration from Alaska Pacific University.

While earning his MBA, Thomas got involved with The Aleut Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation with businesses in government operations and maintenance contracting, fuel delivery, sales and storage, real estate and beyond. At the time, he was one of the youngest shareholders and served on The Aleut Foundation's Board of Directors, so it was no surprise when he applied for the position of president for The Aleut Corporation. As Aleut's president, and the interim CEO and chairman of the Board of Directors for Aleut Management Service and Aleut Enterprise, Thomas strives to help preserve Alaska Native cultures, languages and ways of life. "Defending the shareholders' rights and welfare, socially and economically, is key for the Corporation's success and is very gratifying."