"The University of Alaska in Fairbanks is rated among the world’s top science institutions for studying the Arctic, a region that might well grow considerably in importance, in part due to climate change. A well-developed and well-educated Alaska is a kind of option on future Arctic development and also on geopolitical influence. If new frontiers are opening up, then Alaska — and America — should want to be ready for them."
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-07-18/university-of-alaska-budget-cuts-are-worse-than-they-appear