FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 28, 2026

Utqiaġvik, Alaska — Iḷisaġvik College is pleased to welcome Dr. Clarke Leichte as Dean of Academic Affairs. Dr. Leichte stepped into this pivotal role on May 4, 2026 from his previous role at Iḷisaġvik as Assistant Professor of Business and Chair of the Business Management, Accounting, and Business Administration Programs. Dr. Leichte holds a bachelor's degree in Communication, a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, and a Doctorate of Business Administration.

With a background in entrepreneurship, Dr. Leichte has devoted much of his career to teaching in the community college environment. Dr. Leichte’s journey in education began in 2012 as an adjunct instructor at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in North Carolina. He also taught at Tri-County Community College, Mars Hill University, and the University of Pikeville before moving north to become part of the Iḷisaġvik College community.

Dr. Leichte has a keen understanding of Tribal and nontraditional students, industry trends, teaching and learning, and postsecondary assessment, all of which will greatly benefit Iḷisaġvik as he leads the Academic Affairs, Construction Trades and Technology, and Workforce Development areas. “We are thrilled to welcome Dean Leichte into this role,” said President of Iḷisaġvik College, Justina Wilhelm. “Since his arrival in Utqiaġvik in 2024, Clarke has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving our students, communities, and mission to Iḷisaġvik College. He will bring his innovative thinking, dedication to academic integrity, and understanding of our communities to the Dean of Academic Affairs role. I am confident his leadership will help guide Iḷisaġvik into the future.”

In addition to his teaching, Dr. Leichte has been service-oriented throughout his career, and has served as faculty advisor to the Student Government Association, Vice President of Academic Council, and Vice President of Faculty Association. In summer 2025, Dr. Leichte led a high school entrepreneurship camp at Iḷisaġvik College. Dr. Leichte has served on the Board of Directors for several nonprofit organizations. He is passionate about people and loves making new connections and building partnerships that benefit his communities. He is also a dedicated fan of college basketball and has embraced his new Iḷisaġvik family, including faculty, staff and students.

Aarigaa tavrapiallak—Congratulations—Dean Leichte! As Iḷisaġvik embarks on this new chapter of leadership, the College is confident that Dr. Leichte’s expertise and commitment to student success will bring dynamic, student-centered momentum to Iḷisaġvik’s mission. The College 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:

Caitlin Walls
Dean of Advancement and Effectiveness
907-319-8755
caitlin.walls@ilisagvik.edu