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{{Short description|Public college in Valdez, Alaska, US}}
{{Unreferenced|date=November 2011}}
{{Infobox University
{{Infobox university
|image_name =
|image =
|name = Prince William Sound Community College
|name = Prince William Sound College
|established = 1978
|established = {{start date and age|1978}}
|president = Dennis Humphrey
|chancellor =
|city = [[Valdez, Alaska]]
|city = [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]]
|students = {{c.|1,000}}
|colors = {{color box|#0000FF}} {{color box|#FFFF00}} Blue & yellow
|state = [[Alaska]]
|campus = Valdez, Alaska
|coor = {{Coord|61.1339|N|146.3560|W|type:edu_region:US-AK|display=inline,title}}
|students = about 1400
|website = {{URL|pwsc.alaska.edu}}
|colors=
|mascot =
|athletics =
|campus =
|website = [http://www.pwscc.edu PWSCC]
}}
}}


'''Prince William Sound College''' (formerly '''Prince William Sound Community College''' and also known as '''PWSC''' and '''P-DUB''') is a college located at 303 Lowe St. in [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]], Alaska. PWSC comprises one main campus in Valdez and extension campuses in [[Glennallen]] and [[Cordova, Alaska|Cordova]]. The college is part of the [[University of Alaska Anchorage]] under the aegis of the [[University of Alaska System]].


PWSC serves approximately 44,000 sq. mi., about the area of Ohio. Around 1,000 local, rural, and out-of-state students attend the college either face-to-face, through [[Interactive television|ITV]] classrooms or via [[Blackboard Learning System|Blackboard]]. There is no out-of-state tuition.


==History==
Founded in 1978, '''Prince William Sound Community College''' (also known as '''PWSCC''' or '''P-Dub''') is a community college located in [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]], a town in south central Alaska.
Dr. John Devens founded the college in 1978 with an endowment of $50,000 he requested from the City of Valdez. For fiscal year 2012, Valdez allocated $700,000 for the school.<ref>"University of Alaska Prince William Sound Community College Component Budget Summary." ''[http://omb.alaska.gov/ombfiles/13_budget/UA/Proposed/comp759.pdf State of Alaska FY2013 Governor’s Operating Budget].''</ref>


Since 1989, the college has been housed in what was formerly Growden-Harrison Elementary School, built on the new Valdez town site soon after the [[1964 Alaska earthquake]].<ref>"[http://www.pwscc.edu/administration/business-office/facilities-maintenance/ Facilities & Maintenance]." ''Prince William Sound Community College.''</ref> The three buildings in the dormitory complex were originally government housing. The college acquired them in 1977 for one dollar and fully renovated them in 2010.
PWSCC comprises three campuses, one in Valdez, another is the Copper Basin campus that can be found in [[Glennallen, Alaska|Glennallen]], Alaska located along the [[Richardson Highway]], and the other [[Prince William Sound]] campus is located in [[Cordova, Alaska|Cordova]], Alaska.


PWSC instituted the [[Last Frontier Theatre Conference]] in 1993.<ref>"[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1145492 Last Frontier Theater Conference]." ''npr.org.''</ref>
PWSCC is part of the [[University of Alaska Anchorage]] which is part of the [[University of Alaska System]].


In 1998, Maxine Whitney donated a large collection of native artifacts to the college. The collection now resides in the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum, located on the PWSC campus.
There is no out-of-state tuition, which is a major draw for its 1400 out-of-state students.


In a cost-saving move, the University of Alaska Anchorage regents in 2014 requested the college drop its separate accreditation by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities and come under UAA's accreditation. The commission approved the change in July, 2015. At the same time the college began the process of dropping "Community" from its name.<ref>Revis, Lee. "[http://www.valdezstar.net/story/2015/07/08/main-news/prince-william-sound-college-still-community-friendly/911.html Prince William Sound College still community friendly]," ''Valdez Star,'' 8 July 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2015.</ref>
P-Dub services approximately 44,000 sq mi which is relative to the size of Ohio.


==Academic programs==
==History==
===Associate degrees===
Dr. John Devens founded the college in 1978. It was John’s dream to start a school, he went to the city of Valdez and asked for money. The original endowment was about $50,000 and now the city of Valdez gives about $700,000.
Associate of Arts (General Studies), AA


Industrial technology
The buildings that make up the dormitory complex were the first buildings constructed on the new Valdez town site after the [[1964 Alaska earthquake]]. Originally, they were Army barracks and after, low income housing until they were acquired by the college in 1977 for the price of one dollar.The current dorm buildings were fully renovated in 2010. Eventually, the college moved to its current location at 303 Lowe Street. The structure where the college is currently located was originally used as Growden Harrison Elementary School. In the 1980’s the school was closed and later purchased for one dollar by the college. The building has since undergone a handful of renovations.
:Millwright, AAS
:Oil Spill Response, AAS
:Safety Management, AAS


Nursing, AAS* (requires additional clinical sequence)
PWSCC also began the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in 1993, see section below for more information.


Outdoor leadership (ODS), AAS
In 1998, Maxine Whitney donated a large collection of native artifacts to the college. The collection now resides in the aptly named Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum, located on the PWSCC campus. See section on Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum below for more information.
:ODS Concentrations: Adventure Filmmaking, Adventure Tourism, & Expedition Specialist (Alpine or Aquatic)


:: *Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) via distance
==Academic Programs==
:: **Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) via distance

===Baccalaureate Degrees===
*Bachelor of Science in Natural Science*
*Bachelor of Art in Psychology*
*Bachelor of Science in Psychology*
*Bachelor of Business Administration**
*Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education**
*Bachelor of Human Services*
*Bachelor of Liberal Arts**
*Bachelor of Science, Technology, with Business Option*
** *Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) via distance
** **Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) via distance

===Associate Degrees===
*Associate of Arts (General Studies), AA
*Associate of Fine Arts in Playwriting, AFA
*Business Administration, AAS***
*Computer Information and Office Systems, AAS
*Disability Services
*Community Support Emphasis, AAS*
*Educational Support Emphasis, AAS*
*Speech-Language Support Emphasis, AAS*
*Fisheries Technology, AAS***
*Health Sciences, AAS***
*Human Services, AAS*
*Industrial Technology
*Millwright, AAS
*Oil Spill Response, AAS
*Safety Management, AAS
*Nursing, AAS* (requires additional clinical sequence)
*Outdoor Leadership, AAS**
** *Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) via distance
** **Offered in partnership with Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) via distance
** ***Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) via distance


===Certificates===
===Certificates===
Industrial Technology Certificates:
*Disability Services*
*Oil Spill Response
:Oil Spill Response
*Safety Management
:Safety Management


===Occupational Endorsement===
===Occupational endorsement===
:Millwright
*Computer Information Office Systems
*Direct Service Specialist


===Accreditation===
===Accreditation===
PWSC is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.<ref>"[http://www.nwccu.org/Directory%20of%20Inst/Alpha%20Cluster/m_r.html Directory of Institutions M - R.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030154725/http://www.nwccu.org/Directory%20of%20Inst/Alpha%20Cluster/m_r.html |date=2013-10-30 }}" Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities website. Last updated12/02/2013.</ref>
PWSCC is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.

===Distinctive programs===
The AAS degree in outdoor leadership is offered at Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez, Alaska, a campus within the University of Alaska system.

Valdez is known world-over for its epic backcountry skiing, amazing fishing, and as a premiere sea kayaking destination. Valdez has a grip of many lesser known treasures and activities. Valdez is small, remote, and surrounded by some of the most beautifully rugged wilderness in the world.


==Facilities==
==Facilities==
===Campus===
===Campus===
The main campus is located at 303 Lowe Street where there are numerous classrooms and staff, a wellness center, student lounge with a 12 ft video screen, and a computer lab. The main campus is also home to a collection of various native Alaskan artifacts donated by Maxine Whitney. Historical photographs from the original Valdez town site taken by P.S. Hunt, who was a photographer working throughout Alaska in the early 1900s, are also on the main campus. Also, to be found at the main campus is two of the wooden bear sculptures carved by Peter Toth. (see Whispering Giant and Bears section).
The main campus is located at 303 Lowe Street, in Valdez. There are numerous classrooms, a health and fitness center, student lounge, and a computer lab, as well as the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum,<ref>''[http://www.mjwhitneymuseum.org/ Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum].''</ref> a collection of Native Alaskan artifacts. Historical photographs from the original Valdez town site taken by P.S. Hunt, who was a photographer working throughout Alaska in the early 1900s, are also on the main campus.


===Residence Halls===
===Residence halls===
The residential complex is comprised of three historical buildings called Copper Basin Hall, Cordova Hall, and Valdez Hall. Each building is named after one of the Prince William Sound campuses. Of particular interest is the large wooden carving by [[Peter Toth|Peter “Wolf” Toth]] called Whispering Giant. (see Whispering Giant and Bears section).
The residential complex in the 100 block of Pioneer Dr. comprises three newly remodeled buildings called Copper Basin Hall, Cordova Hall, and Valdez Hall, each named after one of the Prince William Sound campuses. Of particular interest is the large [[Trail of the Whispering Giants|Whispering Giant]] wooden carving by [[Peter Wolf Toth]]. The halls are just over half a mile from the main campus.


The residence halls were completely renovated in 2010 and can house up to 44 students. The rooms are apartment style and are comprised of 3-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, 1-bedroom, and studio. In the dormitory complex there is a student lounge and a computer lab; each building also has its own laundry room. The residence halls also have hard-line and wireless internet connections. As an added bonus, the residence halls are located right across from the local grocery store.
The residence halls were completely renovated in 2010 and can house up to 44 students in 3-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom, and studio apartments. Each building has its own laundry room, and the dormitory complex includes a student lounge and computer lab.


===Wellness Center===
===Health and Fitness Center===
The Wellness Center has a variety of cardio and resistance equipment, free weights, and a variety of fitness classes. There is also other various pieces of equipment: stairs, body balls, jumping ropes, punching bag and boxing pads. The facility also has showers, lockers and towel service. The cardio areas also have cable TV.
The Health and Fitness Center has a variety of cardio and resistance equipment, free weights, and a variety of fitness classes. There are also other various pieces of equipment: stairs, body balls, jumping ropes, punching bag and boxing pads. The facility also has showers, lockers and towel service. The cardio areas also have cable TV.


The Student Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) contributes to a program that allows the Wellness Center to loan out X-Country Skis and Snowshoes which can be used on the various trails and back country in Valdez.
The Sound Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) contributes to a program that allows the Health & Fitness Center to loan out X-Country Skis and Snowshoes which can be used on the various trails and backcountry in Valdez.


===Library===
===Library===
The Valdez Consortium Library serves both the Prince William Sound Community College and the community of Valdez. The library is located at 212 Fairbanks St. The library has three levels, with elevator access available to the downstairs. The main level is home to two Alaskan murals painted by local artists.
Located at 212 Fairbanks St., the Valdez Consortium Library serves both the Prince William Sound Community College and the community of Valdez. The library has three levels, with elevator access available to the downstairs. The main level is home to two Alaskan murals painted by local artists.


The online library catalog contains the combined holdings of the Valdez Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage libraries and Anchorage Public Libraries. Services provided by the Valdez Consortium Library includes Public internet access with wireless, Inter Library Loan, access to database and articles, reference assistance, Listen Alaska (digital e-books and audio book collection), Mango Languages and more.
The online library catalog contains the combined holdings of the Valdez Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage libraries and Anchorage Public Libraries. Services provided by the Valdez Consortium Library includes Public internet access with wireless, Inter Library Loan, access to database and articles, reference assistance, Listen Alaska (digital e-books and audio book collection), Mango Languages and more.


All students, staff, and faculty are eligible to receive library cards from the Valdez Consortium Library. PWSCC ID cards also serve as library cards, and can be activated at the library. More information about the [http://www.ci.valdez.ak.us/library Valdez Consortium Library] can be found on the Library’s web site and the [http://www.pwscc.edu/academics/library-services/ PWSCC Library Services] page.
All students, staff, and faculty are eligible to receive library cards from the Valdez Consortium Library. PWSC ID cards also serve as library cards, and can be activated at the library.


===The Whispering Giant and Bears===
===The Whispering Giant===
Located at the dormitory, the Whispering Giant (Indian Head) is the 40th statue created by [[Peter Toth|Peter “Wolf” Toth]] and was completed in October 1981. This work was carved from a mammoth [[Sitka Spruce]] and stands 30 feet high by 10 feet wide, weighing in at approximately 85,000 pounds. There are two bears, both standing at 12 feet tall located on the main campus that were also carved by Mr. Toth.
Located in front of the residence halls, the Whispering Giant Indian head is the 40th statue in the [[Trail of the Whispering Giants]] cycle created by [[Peter Wolf Toth]] and was completed in October 1981. This work was carved from a mammoth [[Sitka Spruce]] and stands 25 feet high. Toth returned to Valdez in 2007 and completed a restoration project of the Whispering Giant for conservation and to extend the longevity of the work.<ref>"[http://www.dcschumaker.com/statues.htm Peter Wolf Toth]." Website. © 2013 David Schumaker.</ref>


==Student life==
[[Peter Toth|Peter “Wolf” Toth]] is a humanitarian who travels creating sculptures honoring the American Indian. His work can be found in all 50 states, Canada, and his native homeland, Hungary. To date, Mr. Toth has completed 67 Whispering Giant works venerating the American Indian. Exemplifying his commitment to this cause, he returned to Valdez in 2007 and completed a restoration project of the Whispering Giant and Bears for conservation and to extend the longevity of the works.
Clubs include [[Phi Theta Kappa]], PWSC Student Government, and Archery Club.

==Student Life==
As of November 2011, there is a handful of clubs at Prince William Sound Community College: PWSCC Game Club, Phi Theta Kappa, PWSCC Student Association, PWSCC Film Club, Archery Club, and the Multicultural Club.


The college is also host to various concerts and fundraisers.
The college is also host to various concerts and fundraisers.

The theatre department produces a couple of plays a year; the actors are made up of students and the local community.


==Last Frontier Theatre Conference==
==Last Frontier Theatre Conference==
The [[Last Frontier Theatre Conference]] is an annual event started in 1993 hosted by PWSC in Valdez, Alaska. The two-week event centers around American Theatre with an emphasis on playwriting. The conference involves theatrical productions, panel discussions, symposia, and workshops.


The [[Last Frontier Theatre Conference]] is an annual event started in 1993 hosted by PWSCC in Valdez, Alaska. The two week event centers around American Theatre with an emphasis on playwriting. The conference involves theatrical productions, panel discussions, symposia, and workshops.
The three basic parts of the [[Last Frontier Theatre Conference]] are the Play Lab, various workshops and panel discussions, and lastly, the evening performances. The evening shows comprise works from attendants both past and present and are performed by imported and Alaskan theatre companies.


Plays are submitted from playwrights, then selected plays are read by actors to audiences. After the reading, the play is critiqued by academics, theatre professionals and the viewers, thus allowing development and growth for those involved. Participants are given the opportunity to work and study under award-winning members of the theatre community.
The three basic parts of the Last Frontier Theatre Conference are the Play Lab, various workshops and panel discussions, and lastly, the evening performances. The evening shows are comprised of works from attendants both past and present and are performed by imported and Alaskan theatre companies.


Along with the Play Lab, some of the events include: The Fringe Festival, The Ten-Minute Play Slam, The Monologue Workshop, and Acting for Singers (co-produced with Anchorage Opera). On the closing day there is a gala dinner.
Plays are submitted from playwrights, then selected plays are read by actors to audiences. After the reading, the play is critiqued by academics, theatre professionals and the viewers, thus allowing development and growth for those involved. Participants are given the opportunity to work and study under award winning members of the theatre community.


The Last Frontier Theatre Conference has received the Jerry Harper Service Award<ref>Mentioned by Ron Holmstrom, "[http://turnagaintimes.com/currentissue/2015-06-18/lively-arts.html The Lively Arts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025029/http://turnagaintimes.com/currentissue/2015-06-18/lively-arts.html |date=2016-03-04 }}," ''The Turnagain Times,'' 18 June 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2015.</ref> and annually awards the Sue Nims Distinguished Playwriting Award.<ref>"[http://www.theatreconference.org/other-programs/susan-nims-distinguished-playwriting-award/ Susan Nims Distinguished Playwriting Award]," ''Last Frontier Theatre Conference.'' Retrieved 28 December 2015.</ref> Attendees have included [[August Wilson]], [[John Guare]], [[Arthur Miller]], [[Horton Foote]], [[Patricia Neal]], [[Robert Woodruff Anderson|Robert Anderson]], [[Jean Stapleton]] and [[Terrence McNally]].<ref>Freedman, Donna. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/07/02/whats-edward-albee-doing-in-alaska-hobnobbing/ What's Edward Albee doing in Alaska? Hobnobbing]." ''The Chicago Tribune.'' 2 July 2002.</ref><ref>Miller, Arthur and Robert A. Martin. ''The Theater Essays Of Arthur Miller''. New York: Da Capo Press, 1996, p. xviii.</ref>
Along with the Play Lab, some of the events include: The Fringe Festival, The Ten-Minute Play Slam, The Monologue Workshop, and Acting for Singers (co-produced with Anchorage Opera). On the closing day there is a gala dinner.

The Last Frontier Theatre Conference has received the Jerry Harper Service Award and The Sue Nims Distinguished Playwriting Award.


==Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum==
==Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum==
Prince William Sound College is home to the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world.
Prince William Sound Community College is home to the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world.


Coming to Alaska in 1947, Maxine opened a gift shop. She traveled around the state to Native villages purchasing works directly from artists, basket weavers and furriers, to later be sold in her store; she continued to gather items into the 1980s. The Eskimo Museum in Fairbanks came under ownership of Maxine in 1969. Ms. Whitney donated her collection of art and artifacts to PWSCC in 1998, and it now resides on the main campus.
Coming to Alaska in 1947, Maxine opened a gift shop. She traveled around the state to Native villages purchasing works directly from artists, basket weavers and furriers, to later be sold in her store; she continued to gather items into the 1980s. The Eskimo Museum in Fairbanks came under ownership of Maxine in 1969. Ms. Whitney donated her collection of art and artifacts to PWSC in 1998, and it now resides on the main campus.


Exhibits include masks, dolls, fur garments, various sizes of ivory and baleen with scrimshaw work. There are also Alaska wildlife mounts, including a moose and a polar bear; along with other exhibits on Alaska and its rich history. The Whitney Museum is open year round.
Exhibits include masks, dolls, fur garments, various sizes of ivory and baleen with scrimshaw work. There are also Alaska wildlife mounts, including a moose and a polar bear; along with other exhibits on Alaska and its rich history. The Whitney Museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day or by appointment during the winter months.<ref>Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. [http://www.mjwhitneymuseum.org/ Webpage].</ref><ref>"[http://www.alaskahistoricalsociety.org/layouts/alaskahistorical/files/documents/news/AHN39No3.pdf The Alaska Historical Society annual conference and meeting] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014328/http://www.alaskahistoricalsociety.org/layouts/alaskahistorical/files/documents/news/AHN39No3.pdf |date=2013-12-03 }}." ''Alaska History News, 39.3. (Summer 2011.)'' (Quarterly of the Alaska Historical Society.)</ref>


==Partnerships==
==Partnerships==
===Alyeska Pipeline Service Company===

With the aide of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, PWSCC is able to implement training and programs on oil spill response and terminal operations in the Port of Valdez. They have partnered together since the 1990’s and the PWSCC Wellness Center is funded by a yearly grant from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.

===Prince William Sound Science Center===
===Prince William Sound Science Center===
Created in 1989, this non-profit research center fosters understanding of the ecosystems of Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta. Education is done through outreach and research.<ref>Educate. [http://pwssc.org/educate/ Prince William Sound Science Center]</ref>

Created in 1989, this non-profit research center fosters understanding of the ecosystems of Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta. Education is done through outreach and research.


===Sound Wellness Alliance Network===
===Sound Wellness Alliance Network===
Sound Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) is a network of community members committed to promoting healthy lifestyles to the citizens of Valdez.<ref>[http://www.swanalaska.org/partners/ Partners], ''SWAN Wellness Alliance.'' Retrieved 28 December 2015.</ref> SWAN partnered with the PWSC Wellness Center to create the Ski For Free program. The Ski For Free program loans ski equipment to members of the Valdez community for free.<ref>[http://www.swanalaska.org/programs/ Programs], ''SWAN Wellness Alliance.'' Retrieved 28 December 2015.</ref>

Sound Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) is a network of community members committed to promoting healthy lifestyles to the citizens of Valdez. SWAN partnered with the PWSCC Wellness Center to create the Ski For Free program. The Ski For Free program loans ski equipment to members of the Valdez community for free.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
''Prince William Sound Community College.'' Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <[http://www.pwscc.edu/ PWSCC]>.


==External Links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.pwsc.alaska.edu}}
*[http://www.pwscc.edu/ Prince William Sound Community College]
*[https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/campuses/ University of Alaska Anchorage Campuses]
*[http://www.mjwhitneymuseum.org/ Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum]
*[http://expeditionaryfilmschoolalaska.com/ Expeditionary Film School of Alaska]


{{Colleges and universities in Alaska}}
[[Category:1978 establishments in the United States]]
{{University of Alaska System}}
[[Category:Community colleges in Alaska]]
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1978]]
{{Coord|61.1339|N|146.3560|W|source:wikidata|display=title}}
[[Category:University of Alaska Anchorage]]

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Valdez–Cordova Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in Alaska]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Chugach Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Education in Unorganized Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:Education in Unorganized Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1978]]
[[Category:University of Alaska Anchorage]]

Latest revision as of 20:16, 9 September 2024

Prince William Sound College
Established1978; 46 years ago (1978)
PresidentDennis Humphrey
Studentsc. 1,000
Location
Valdez, Alaska
CampusValdez, Alaska
Colors    Blue & yellow
Websitepwsc.alaska.edu

Prince William Sound College (formerly Prince William Sound Community College and also known as PWSC and P-DUB) is a college located at 303 Lowe St. in Valdez, Alaska. PWSC comprises one main campus in Valdez and extension campuses in Glennallen and Cordova. The college is part of the University of Alaska Anchorage under the aegis of the University of Alaska System.

PWSC serves approximately 44,000 sq. mi., about the area of Ohio. Around 1,000 local, rural, and out-of-state students attend the college either face-to-face, through ITV classrooms or via Blackboard. There is no out-of-state tuition.

History

[edit]

Dr. John Devens founded the college in 1978 with an endowment of $50,000 he requested from the City of Valdez. For fiscal year 2012, Valdez allocated $700,000 for the school.[1]

Since 1989, the college has been housed in what was formerly Growden-Harrison Elementary School, built on the new Valdez town site soon after the 1964 Alaska earthquake.[2] The three buildings in the dormitory complex were originally government housing. The college acquired them in 1977 for one dollar and fully renovated them in 2010.

PWSC instituted the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in 1993.[3]

In 1998, Maxine Whitney donated a large collection of native artifacts to the college. The collection now resides in the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum, located on the PWSC campus.

In a cost-saving move, the University of Alaska Anchorage regents in 2014 requested the college drop its separate accreditation by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities and come under UAA's accreditation. The commission approved the change in July, 2015. At the same time the college began the process of dropping "Community" from its name.[4]

Academic programs

[edit]

Associate degrees

[edit]

Associate of Arts (General Studies), AA

Industrial technology

Millwright, AAS
Oil Spill Response, AAS
Safety Management, AAS

Nursing, AAS* (requires additional clinical sequence)

Outdoor leadership (ODS), AAS

ODS Concentrations: Adventure Filmmaking, Adventure Tourism, & Expedition Specialist (Alpine or Aquatic)
*Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) via distance
**Offered in partnership with University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) via distance

Certificates

[edit]

Industrial Technology Certificates:

Oil Spill Response
Safety Management

Occupational endorsement

[edit]
Millwright

Accreditation

[edit]

PWSC is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.[5]

Distinctive programs

[edit]

The AAS degree in outdoor leadership is offered at Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez, Alaska, a campus within the University of Alaska system.

Valdez is known world-over for its epic backcountry skiing, amazing fishing, and as a premiere sea kayaking destination. Valdez has a grip of many lesser known treasures and activities. Valdez is small, remote, and surrounded by some of the most beautifully rugged wilderness in the world.

Facilities

[edit]

Campus

[edit]

The main campus is located at 303 Lowe Street, in Valdez. There are numerous classrooms, a health and fitness center, student lounge, and a computer lab, as well as the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum,[6] a collection of Native Alaskan artifacts. Historical photographs from the original Valdez town site taken by P.S. Hunt, who was a photographer working throughout Alaska in the early 1900s, are also on the main campus.

Residence halls

[edit]

The residential complex in the 100 block of Pioneer Dr. comprises three newly remodeled buildings called Copper Basin Hall, Cordova Hall, and Valdez Hall, each named after one of the Prince William Sound campuses. Of particular interest is the large Whispering Giant wooden carving by Peter Wolf Toth. The halls are just over half a mile from the main campus.

The residence halls were completely renovated in 2010 and can house up to 44 students in 3-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom, and studio apartments. Each building has its own laundry room, and the dormitory complex includes a student lounge and computer lab.

Health and Fitness Center

[edit]

The Health and Fitness Center has a variety of cardio and resistance equipment, free weights, and a variety of fitness classes. There are also other various pieces of equipment: stairs, body balls, jumping ropes, punching bag and boxing pads. The facility also has showers, lockers and towel service. The cardio areas also have cable TV.

The Sound Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) contributes to a program that allows the Health & Fitness Center to loan out X-Country Skis and Snowshoes which can be used on the various trails and backcountry in Valdez.

Library

[edit]

Located at 212 Fairbanks St., the Valdez Consortium Library serves both the Prince William Sound Community College and the community of Valdez. The library has three levels, with elevator access available to the downstairs. The main level is home to two Alaskan murals painted by local artists.

The online library catalog contains the combined holdings of the Valdez Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage libraries and Anchorage Public Libraries. Services provided by the Valdez Consortium Library includes Public internet access with wireless, Inter Library Loan, access to database and articles, reference assistance, Listen Alaska (digital e-books and audio book collection), Mango Languages and more.

All students, staff, and faculty are eligible to receive library cards from the Valdez Consortium Library. PWSC ID cards also serve as library cards, and can be activated at the library.

The Whispering Giant

[edit]

Located in front of the residence halls, the Whispering Giant Indian head is the 40th statue in the Trail of the Whispering Giants cycle created by Peter Wolf Toth and was completed in October 1981. This work was carved from a mammoth Sitka Spruce and stands 25 feet high. Toth returned to Valdez in 2007 and completed a restoration project of the Whispering Giant for conservation and to extend the longevity of the work.[7]

Student life

[edit]

Clubs include Phi Theta Kappa, PWSC Student Government, and Archery Club.

The college is also host to various concerts and fundraisers.

Last Frontier Theatre Conference

[edit]

The Last Frontier Theatre Conference is an annual event started in 1993 hosted by PWSC in Valdez, Alaska. The two-week event centers around American Theatre with an emphasis on playwriting. The conference involves theatrical productions, panel discussions, symposia, and workshops.

The three basic parts of the Last Frontier Theatre Conference are the Play Lab, various workshops and panel discussions, and lastly, the evening performances. The evening shows comprise works from attendants both past and present and are performed by imported and Alaskan theatre companies.

Plays are submitted from playwrights, then selected plays are read by actors to audiences. After the reading, the play is critiqued by academics, theatre professionals and the viewers, thus allowing development and growth for those involved. Participants are given the opportunity to work and study under award-winning members of the theatre community.

Along with the Play Lab, some of the events include: The Fringe Festival, The Ten-Minute Play Slam, The Monologue Workshop, and Acting for Singers (co-produced with Anchorage Opera). On the closing day there is a gala dinner.

The Last Frontier Theatre Conference has received the Jerry Harper Service Award[8] and annually awards the Sue Nims Distinguished Playwriting Award.[9] Attendees have included August Wilson, John Guare, Arthur Miller, Horton Foote, Patricia Neal, Robert Anderson, Jean Stapleton and Terrence McNally.[10][11]

Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

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Prince William Sound College is home to the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world.

Coming to Alaska in 1947, Maxine opened a gift shop. She traveled around the state to Native villages purchasing works directly from artists, basket weavers and furriers, to later be sold in her store; she continued to gather items into the 1980s. The Eskimo Museum in Fairbanks came under ownership of Maxine in 1969. Ms. Whitney donated her collection of art and artifacts to PWSC in 1998, and it now resides on the main campus.

Exhibits include masks, dolls, fur garments, various sizes of ivory and baleen with scrimshaw work. There are also Alaska wildlife mounts, including a moose and a polar bear; along with other exhibits on Alaska and its rich history. The Whitney Museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day or by appointment during the winter months.[12][13]

Partnerships

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Prince William Sound Science Center

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Created in 1989, this non-profit research center fosters understanding of the ecosystems of Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta. Education is done through outreach and research.[14]

Sound Wellness Alliance Network

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Sound Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) is a network of community members committed to promoting healthy lifestyles to the citizens of Valdez.[15] SWAN partnered with the PWSC Wellness Center to create the Ski For Free program. The Ski For Free program loans ski equipment to members of the Valdez community for free.[16]

References

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  1. ^ "University of Alaska Prince William Sound Community College Component Budget Summary." State of Alaska FY2013 Governor’s Operating Budget.
  2. ^ "Facilities & Maintenance." Prince William Sound Community College.
  3. ^ "Last Frontier Theater Conference." npr.org.
  4. ^ Revis, Lee. "Prince William Sound College still community friendly," Valdez Star, 8 July 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  5. ^ "Directory of Institutions M - R. Archived 2013-10-30 at the Wayback Machine" Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities website. Last updated12/02/2013.
  6. ^ Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum.
  7. ^ "Peter Wolf Toth." Website. © 2013 David Schumaker.
  8. ^ Mentioned by Ron Holmstrom, "The Lively Arts Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine," The Turnagain Times, 18 June 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  9. ^ "Susan Nims Distinguished Playwriting Award," Last Frontier Theatre Conference. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  10. ^ Freedman, Donna. "What's Edward Albee doing in Alaska? Hobnobbing." The Chicago Tribune. 2 July 2002.
  11. ^ Miller, Arthur and Robert A. Martin. The Theater Essays Of Arthur Miller. New York: Da Capo Press, 1996, p. xviii.
  12. ^ Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. Webpage.
  13. ^ "The Alaska Historical Society annual conference and meeting Archived 2013-12-03 at the Wayback Machine." Alaska History News, 39.3. (Summer 2011.) (Quarterly of the Alaska Historical Society.)
  14. ^ Educate. Prince William Sound Science Center
  15. ^ Partners, SWAN Wellness Alliance. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  16. ^ Programs, SWAN Wellness Alliance. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
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61°08′02″N 146°21′22″W / 61.1339°N 146.3560°W / 61.1339; -146.3560

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