Howard Cutler
![Howard Cutler in 1975. Photo by Tom Hillis](/uajourney/notable-people/fairbanks/howard-cutler/cutlerSM.jpg)
Born in Webster City, Iowa, on April 27, 1918, Cutler worked his way through the University
of Iowa (UI) as a cook, gardener, housekeeper and chauffeur. He graduated Phi Beta
Kappa from Iowa in 1940 and received a master鈥檚 degree in economics a year later.
Cutler鈥檚 UI master鈥檚 thesis was the first in the history of the university鈥檚 economics
department to be published in a national journal.
From 1943-1946, Cutler served in the U.S. Navy in Guam and Saipan as a supply and
disbursing officer.
In 1943, Cutler received a certificate of graduation from Harvard University and in
1953 received his doctorate in economics from Columbia University.
He began his teaching career in 1946 as an instructor of economics at UI and has held
faculty positions in economics at the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago
and Penn State University.
Former UA President William Wood, also a University of Iowa graduate, appointed Cutler in 1962 to the post of vice
president for academic affairs for the University of Alaska, a position he held until
1966.
From 1966 to 1976, Cutler served as senior vice president of the Institute of International
Education in New York City. The institute administers foreign exchange programs including
Fulbright grants.
In 1976, Cutler returned to Fairbanks as chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
His return to Alaska was requested by more than 100 members of the Fairbanks business
community, all of whom had signed a petition supporting his appointment as UAF鈥檚 first
chancellor.
Cutler was a prolific contributor to academic and economic journals. He served as
managing editor of The Journal of General Education from 1960-1962 and contributed
articles to major publications throughout his lifetime. academic and economic journals.
He served as managing editor of The Journal of General Education from 1960-1962 and
contributed articles to major publications throughout his lifetime.
Stricken with Parkinson鈥檚 disease in 1981, Cutler remained active in community and
university affairs until his death.
His expertise in economics and academics was sought by committees, boards and advisory
councils nationally and internationally. He also was a world traveler, visiting nearly
every continent on the globe.
In 1981, Cutler assumed the position of Regent鈥檚 Professor of Economics at UAF. At
UAF鈥檚 1983 Commencement, the university conferred upon him the rank of Chancellor
Emeritus and Regent鈥檚 Professor of Economics, Emeritus. The Howard Cutler Award for
Excellence in Economic Education was established in his honor and is given annually
to Alaskan teachers in primary and secondary education.
In 1989, Cutler was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award by the University
of Iowa Alumni Association, which described him as 鈥渁 common man with an uncommon
touch.鈥 The University of Iowa recognized Cutler for his work to pioneer higher education
in Alaska.
Stricken with Parkinson's disease in 1981, Cutler remained active in community and university affairs until his death on November 17, 1995.
91麻豆天美 Site named after Howard Cutler
Links
BOR Resolution of Appreciation
Sources:
UAF News Release
University of Alaska Fairbanks 1987-1988 Catalog
Eric Jozwiak, Assoc. Director for Residence Life, UAF
Nathan Platt, Assistant Director for Residence Life, UAF
University Relations files