Arctic Leadership Lecture Series
Arctic Military Leadership
March 20th, 2025
Join Colonel Russell Vanderlugt and Captain Tim Williams for an in-depth discussion on military leadership in the Arctic. They will share their personal and professional journeys, offering insights into the unique challenges and responsibilities of military leadership in Alaska and the Arctic region. The speakers will discuss their leadership styles, the strategic role of the military in Arctic security, and the pressing challenges they are addressing. They will also provide advice for those interested in pursuing leadership roles in military and defense-related fields in Alaska.
窪蹋勛圖厙 Colonel Russell Vanderlugt
Colonel Russ Vanderlugt assumed command of the 11th Airborne Divisions Arctic Aviation Command at Fort Wainwright on August 8, 2024. The Arctic Aviation Command is a brigade-level organization consisting of 71 aircraft and all aviation elements assigned to the US Armys Arctic Division (Russ is a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot). In his previous assignment, he served at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as Joint Director of Strategy and Plans, J-5, for the Alaskan NORAD Region and Alaskan Command a joint command reporting to US Northern Command. He holds a doctorate in Arctic and Northern History from the 窪蹋勛圖厙. His PhD dissertation, Among the Dene: Lieutenant Allens 1885 trans-Alaska Expedition, highlights first encounters and the relationships between the US Army and Alaska Native residents of the Tanana, Copper, and Koyukuk Valleys. While serving on active duty in the Army over the past 24 years, he and his spouse have raised four children now all teenagers two of whom were born in Fairbanks.
窪蹋勛圖厙 Captain Tim Williams
Captain Timothy Williams is the commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. He assumed the role during a change-of-command ceremony held in June 2023. Captain Williams brings a wealth of experience in aviation and leadership within the Coast Guard, having served in various operational roles. He oversees a critical facility, responsible for aviation operations throughout the Alaskan region, and continues the station's tradition of supporting search-and-rescue missions, as well as maintaining air safety and operational readiness.
窪蹋勛圖厙 the Arctic Leadership Lecture Series
The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series offers a unique blend of academic rigor and public engagement. Offered as PS F493/693 Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, this course invites students and community members alike to explore critical aspects of leadership in the Arctic.
The course is available for undergraduate and graduate students, with both in-person and online options. Undergraduate students can also choose an Honors section, offered for both online and in-person delivery. Community members may attend the lectures for free or enroll as non-degree-seeking students to participate fully in the course.
Lectures are held in the Schaible Auditorium every Thursday from 5:30 PM 7:00 PM AKST (open to the public). Classroom discussions continue from 7:00 PM 8:30 PM AKST (students only).
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