College of Liberal Arts
Join ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Supreme Court Justices Sue Carney and Jude Pate for an insightful discussion on justice in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. They will reflect on their personal and professional journeys to the bench, share what makes leadership in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s judicial system unique, and discuss their approaches to leadership within the judiciary. The justices will also address the pressing challenges they are tackling in their roles and offer advice to those aspiring to leadership in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s legal field.
Justice Susan Carney, a distinguished graduate of Harvard Law School, will soon ascend to the position of Chief Justice of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Supreme Court, bringing extensive experience and dedication to this pivotal role. Appointed to the court in 2016 by then-Governor Bill Walker, Carney has a legal career spanning decades, including significant time as an assistant public defender serving Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Interior ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ communities. She later joined the Office of Public Advocacy, further deepening her expertise in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s justice system.
Carney’s appointment marks a historic moment, as she will preside over a majority-female court—a first for the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Supreme Court. She will also become the longest-serving member of the judiciary upon assuming her role in January 2025. Known for her commitment to justice and equity, Carney was selected through the nonpartisan ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Judicial Council process, exemplifying the state’s rigorous merit-based judicial selection system. Her leadership is poised to shape ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s judiciary as the state navigates legal challenges in a rapidly evolving Arctic region.
Justice Jude Pate, appointed to the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Supreme Court in 2023 by Governor Mike Dunleavy, brings nearly three decades of legal expertise and a deep commitment to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s judicial system. A resident of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ for 29 years, Pate has dedicated his career to serving ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñns, most recently as a Superior Court judge based in Sitka. His judicial philosophy emphasizes fairness, impartiality, and a deep respect for the unique needs of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñn communities.
With 28 years of legal experience, Justice Pate has worked extensively across ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s diverse legal landscape, earning a reputation for his thoughtful approach to the law and his ability to navigate complex cases. As a Supreme Court Justice, Pate is committed to upholding the principles of justice while addressing the challenges facing ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s dynamic and evolving legal environment. His long-standing connection to the state and his dedication to its people make him a vital addition to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s highest court.
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).
