Nanook Advising updates
Jan. 23, 2026
The Academic Advising Center has been renamed Nanook Advising, effective Feb. 1, 2026. This change reflects the continued evolution of advising at UAF toward a more integrated, student-centered approach that emphasizes proactive engagement, innovation, and sustained academic support. The Nanook Advising name aligns with UAF’s institutional identity, reinforces a cohesive advising experience for students, and supports university priorities related to student success, retention, and enrollment growth. A new website is being built and will be launched in February 2026.
Furthermore, Nanook Advising has several recent additions and updates to its team, all designed to further strengthen its collective commitment to student success and retention at UAF.
Nanook Advising welcomes Eleanor Guthrie as its new associate director of advising. In this key leadership role, Guthrie will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for first-year advising. She will collaborate closely with campus partners to advance student success, retention, and persistence, foster consistent, high-quality advising practices, lead professional development for advising staff, and utilize data-informed strategies to enhance advising effectiveness and student outcomes.
Additionally, Larenzo Graham transitioned from his first-year honors advising specialist role to UAF’s assistant athletic director for academic services position. Larenzo will support the academic achievement and retention of student-athletes by monitoring eligibility, ensuring NCAA compliance, and offering individualized academic support. His efforts will help student-athletes successfully navigate their educational journeys while balancing academic and athletic goals.
Several new enrollment coaches also joined Nanook Advising: Bair Pinneta, Alvin Li, Darinson Then, and Eleeyah Concepcion. Over the coming months, these coaches will assist incoming fall 2026 students throughout the new student onboarding process. Working collaboratively with admissions, academic advisors, and other SAEM teams, the enrollment coach team will ensure a smooth transition to UAF, strong matriculation outcomes, and a positive start to each student’s university experience.
Please join Nanook Advising in welcoming everyone to their new roles.