APU, chartered as Alaska Methodist University by the Territory of Alaska in 1957, dedicated its campus on June 28, 1959, the same year Alaska achieved statehood. When the first students enrolled in classes beginning October 1, 1960, campus facilities consisted of Grant Hall, the academic and student center; and Gould Hall, the student residence. As enrollments and programs grew significantly, a student center, apartment and residence hall complex was constructed. This complex was later named Atwood Center.

After a 1977 reorganization, academic programs were restructured, and in November 1978, Alaska Methodist University was renamed Alaska Pacific University to better reflect its educational mission and geographical location.

The Ruth and Homer Moseley Sports Center was added to campus facilities in 1986 and the Carr Gottstein Academic Center in 1992. The university now offers eleven undergraduate majors and five graduate programs.

Alaska Pacific University is an intentionally small, private, independent university devoted to innovative teaching and learning, where students receive personal attention in small classes and acquire leadership capabilities, moral character, and self-direction through active learning. To achieve these educational goals Alaska Pacific University:

• Nurtures spiritual and moral values consistent with the university’s Christian heritage while respecting the religious convictions of all.


• Emphasizes personal growth through student-centered, experiential education using Alaska, the Arctic, and the Pacific Rim as laboratories for learning;


• Develops leadership for active service to society by encouraging openness to positive change, environmental awareness, innovation, and individual initiative;


• Promotes international and multicultural education while welcoming learners of all ages: from Alaska, with a special commitment to Alaska Natives; from other states of the United States; and from the international community;


• Maintains academic excellence by combining the breadth, integrative understanding, and critical thinking of the liberal arts with practice and focused knowledge for professional careers.