Tara and her mom enjoy one of their favorite late summer traditions: blueberry picking in Alaska. Photo courtesy of Tara McGrogan The CBSM Business Advisory Council brings together leaders from across Alaska to help guide the college’s direction and strengthen its ties to the business community. Members provide insight on workforce needs, offer feedback on academic programs, and support hands-on, career-shaping student experiences. Meeting each semester, the council helps ensure CBSM graduates leave UAF prepared, competitive, and connected, bridging classroom learning with real opportunities across the state.
What is your current position, and where do you work? I’m the Fairbanks Community and Public Relations Manager at Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. My region spans the 800-mile pipeline corridor and the Interior, and a large portion of my work involves connecting with internal and external stakeholders while supporting pipeline facility leadership with internal communication needs, including serving as the pipeline Public Information Officer (PIO) on Alyeska’s Incident Management Team (IMT). Some of my favorite parts of the job are managing Alyeska’s Fairbanks philanthropy program and the employee recognition program. Through our giving program, we partner with essential community services and local nonprofits that keep the Interior vibrant and healthy. Sharing stories about our pipeline people is always a highlight of my work.
What inspired you to join the CBSM Business Advisory Council, and what do you hope to contribute as a member? CBSM played a critical role in my early professional growth, and I give back whenever I can. The classroom experience I had, and that CBSM students continue to have, builds real connections with potential employers while giving students hands-on collaboration with local businesses. The faculty's commitment to quality education drives projects and takeaways that give graduates a strong advantage in the job market. Joining the Business Advisory Council allows me to support the CBSM efforts and programs that shape so many students’ journeys. I'm looking forward to building on Alyeska’s strong partnership with CBSM and am excited to continue supporting students, whether through scholarships or by helping to invest in Alaska’s future workforce.
How do you think the Business Advisory Council can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application? The council is a unique link between UAF and the business community. It creates a two-way dialogue that helps ensure that students develop relevant skills and gain practical experience aligned with employers' needs, well before they graduate. What skills or experiences from your time at UAF have been most valuable in your professional journey? Many of my undergraduate and graduate projects linked classroom theory to real-world work with small businesses, resulting in tangible, meaningful outcomes.. Whether planning events or developing business and social media strategies, those early lessons are woven into my daily work today.. An unexpected example is how a few Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) classes I took as electives proved to be very useful for my work at Alyeska. Emergency preparedness and response are a major part of Alyeska’s operations, and I jumped into work with Alyeska’s IMT with a basic familiarity of the structure and best practices. With years of training and learning on the job, I can confidently support the pipeline in this role PIO for the pipeline corridor, and support my Valdez Marine Terminal counterpart and teammate. Those classes prepared me in ways I did not anticipate at the time.
What advice would you give to other alumni or professionals who want to get involved or give back to CBSM? There are so many ways to make an impact. Consider attending a few of the many events that support CBSM and our community, invest in learning through scholarships, or volunteer your time as a mentor. A strong alumni and professional network elevates CBSM’s programs and creates meaningful opportunities for students. Reach out to CBSM if you want to contribute to the next generation of business leaders.
Looking to the future, what are your hopes for the college and the impact it can have on students and the business community? Keep building those community connections! CBSM does an excellent job of engaging with Alaska businesses and connecting students with partners outside the classroom. These relationships help students begin their professional journey early and build confidence as they transition into their careers. Our business community benefits greatly from the resources CBSM provides.
During the 2025 CBSM Etiquette Seminar, Tara participates in the lively lightning round, where professionals and students connect to discuss modern etiquette skills. Photo by Sarah Lewis Photography What trends in business do you think CBSM students should be paying attention to right now? AI use in the workplace continues to grow across industries. Students should understand both the opportunities and the ethics involved. AI tools are useful for data analysis and support tasks, but they do not replace critical thinking or foundational skills. Knowing how to use these tools responsibly will be essential in the years ahead.
This article was developed with the assistance of AI for content organization and refinement.
Edited by Stacey Currie and Tammy Tragis-McCook
Credits:
Written by Tara McGrogan. Edited by Stacey Currie. Photos by Sarah Lewis Photography and courtesy of Tara McGrogan.