Student Spotlight: Jordan Skan, Clinical-Community Psychology

"It just clicked," said UAA graduate student Jordan Skan. "Psychology has always been the right fit for me."

Jordan, who developed an interest in psychology in the seventh grade, is entering his second year in the joint University of Alaska Fairbanks-University of Alaska Anchorage Ph.D. Program in Clinical Community Psychology to follow his goal of one day becoming a practicing clinical psychologist.

The five-year program is co-taught across campuses via videoconference and all program components are delivered by faculty at both campuses. The program integrates clinical, community and cultural psychology with a focus on rural, indigenous issues and an applied emphasis on the integration of research and practice.

A Tlingit Alaska Native from Ketchikan, Jordan moved to Anchorage to earn his bachelor's degree in psychology. "Going to college was a huge adjustment for me," he said. "More people attend UAA than live in Ketchikan." He said that the transition was nerve-wracking at first, but with the help of the Alaska Natives Into Psychology (ANPsych), he acclimated well and enjoys living and studying in Anchorage.

Jordan was a member of ANPsych as an undergraduate, and now serves as the program's coordinator. "I help students network, get academic advising and support students in any way I can." Between studying for his own courses, he orchestrates potlucks, teaches seminar courses, helps students with homework and manages a laptop loan program. He also encourages undergraduate psychology students to consider the joint Ph.D. program.

A first generation college student, Jordan plans to remain in Alaska after earning his Ph.D. and work in a clinical setting, providing one-on-one therapy to individuals.