President’s Message

Dear Students,

You are about to embark on a wonderful adventure in continued education. Congratulations on taking this momentous step towards transforming your educational and career goals. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and our Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure and honor to say Paġlagivsi. Welcome to Iḷisaġvik College! We are incredibly pleased to have all new and continuing students with us— both on campus and online. From your first moments on campus to the day you walk across the stage for graduation and join the ranks of our distinguished alumni, our staff and faculty will be with you every step of the way.

Our Tribal College is proud to be Unapologetically Iñupiaq. Being Unapologetically Iñupiaq means when you elect to attend or work at Iḷisaġvik, you have the opportunity to experience our Iñupiaq culture. We are immensely grateful to be grounded by our Iñupiaq roots. We are also proud of our diverse communities and take pride in learning from one another. We welcome and respect all individuals who are a part of Iḷisaġvik College.  Iḷisaġvigmiut means those who are a part of and from Iḷisaġvik College. This includes our Iḷisaqtuat (students), Savakatigiit (workers), and Iḷisaurriit (instructors).

I recognize that many of our students are first-generation college students, like myself, and that attending Iḷisaġvik means also balancing family, relationships, cultural and societal roles, and for many,  full-time jobs. Iḷisaġvik College is here to provide you with the support you need to reach your training completion or graduation, with the acknowledgment of how much hard work and effort it takes to reach that day. 

Our team is made up of devoted faculty and staff members who have been chosen because of their exceptional instructional ability and experience in their field. We foster a “student first-Iḷisaqtuat Sivulliġilugit” environment. The entire faculty and staff will work closely with you because you are so much more than a student to us; now you are a member of our Iḷisaġvik family. 

While we are always available to provide you with support and assistance, it is also important to remember that you are the only person who can ensure your academic success by attending class faithfully, completing assignments on time, and studying to pass the tests given. While we are here to support and guide you, your future is firmly in your hands. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help and let us know how we can support your educational journey!

Again, welcome to Iḷisaġvik! My best wishes to you this academic year! 

Qaunagilusi (Take care)

President/CEO Justina Wilhelm

Justina Wilhelm
President