On Dec. 8, 1986, the University of Alaska Board of Regents approved a controversial plan proposed by UA President Donald O’Dowd to restructure the campuses, cognizant of impending budget cuts. The plan would merge Alaska community colleges and universities, centralizing the schools to three main campuses in Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage. Under one of its most contested plans, the University of Alaska-Juneau (now known as the University of Alaska Southeast) would be restructured as a basic four-year liberal arts school without a graduate program. During the meeting, the Board of Regents requested that O’Dowd update the board with a plan for restructuring in February.
In Juneau, another landslide hit the downtown area. The slipping mud wreaked havoc on a house’s walkway between Gold Street and Second and Third Streets, prompting the municipality to have the area observed for damage level. In October, a landslide in the same area affected two other downtown homes.
Meanwhile, newly-elected Gov. Steve Cowper faced more budget problems. With the need to take action so high, many transition reports had suggested places to cut more spending, including restructuring the ferry system and the elimination of the Alaska Power Authority.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
