Utqiaġvik, Alaska — Iḷisaġvik College is pleased to welcome Dr. Robin Brierly as Dean of Students. Dr. Brierly joined Iḷisaġvik on June 9th, 2026. Dr. Brierly holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Education, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration.
Dr. Brierly brings for a background dedicated to advancing literacy, educator preparation, and student success in higher education. She has served as a faculty member and academic leader, guiding program development, grant initiatives, accreditation efforts, student success strategies, and statewide partnerships focused on strengthening retention and expanding access for rural and nontraditional learners.
Dr. Brierly is passionate about building collaborative academic environments where faculty expertise is honored, and students are supported holistically. She considers it a profound honor to work with the Iñupiat people on their ancestral homeland, supporting education in ways that respect and uplift the community’s knowledge, values, and aspirations.
“As we prepare for the upcoming fall semester, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Brierly to Iḷisaġvik College,” said Iḷisaġvik College President Justina Wilhelm. “Since her arrival, she has demonstrated a sincere commitment to learning about our Iñupiat culture, our values, and the communities we serve. I am confident that her leadership, experience, and dedication to student success will help further our mission and strengthen opportunities for our students to succeed.”
When asked what she is most excited about in joining Iḷisaġvik College, Dr. Brierly shared: “What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to be a true advocate for student growth. I want to help students navigate their challenges, celebrate their victories, and ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and valued. I am also looking forward to collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to help build a vibrant and welcoming college environment.”
Aarigaa tavrapiallak—Congratulations—Dean Brierly! As Iḷisaġvik embarks on this new chapter of leadership, the College is confident that Dr. Brierly’s commitment to student success will enhance student engagement and drive meaningful transformation. Iḷisaġvik will continue building a strong, inclusive, and innovative Tribal college environment that places students at the center of all it does.
About Iḷisaġvik College
Iḷisaġvik College is Alaska’s only Tribal college and is located in the northernmost village in the United States, Utqiaġvik (Barrow). Iḷisaġvik College provides quality post-secondary academic, career, and technical education in a learning environment that perpetuates and strengthens Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions. It is dedicated to serving its students and developing a well-educated and trained workforce who meet the human resource needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.
Iḷisaġvik College Contact:
Svetlana Sarafinoski
Executive Director of Human Resources
907-852-1838
Svetlana.sarafinoski@ilisagvik.edu