Anchorage, Alaska
For new ANSEP University Success Manager Mikayla Savikko, being an educator runs in the family. As the daughter of two teachers, Mikayla spent her childhood attending schools in Fairbanks, Homer, Soldotna and Kwethluk, before graduating from high school in Kotzebue. Today, she helps students from across Alaska navigate ANSEP’s application and scholarship processes and keeps students on track throughout their college careers.
“For someone who was born in Alaska and raised in rural Alaska, it’s really inspiring to see these kids succeed,” said Mikayla.
For this mother of two, learning never ends. As part of the ANSEP staff, Mikayla is continuing her education and pursuing a master of business administration, which will be her second master’s degree, in fact.
Giving back to the Alaska community and making connections with students are just two of the many reasons Mikayla is drawn to a career in postsecondary education. Prior to joining ANSEP, Mikayla was a staff member at University of Alaska Anchorage’s College of Education. At least three of the students she worked with at UAA have since taught her elder daughter. Now she’s excited to help Alaska’s future scientists and engineers make their mark.
Mikayla says, “It’s amazing, seeing what kind of impact these students can make and knowing that you played a small role, but one that definitely made a difference.”
