Leading with Heart: Anna DeVolld
The UAF College of Liberal Arts proudly recognizes Anna DeVolld as one of the 2024–2025 Outstanding Students in the Department of Communication.
A community-rooted student from Soldotna, Ӱԭ, Anna is pursuing an accelerated master’s in communication with a minor in marketing. She just completed her sophomore year—and she’s already making UAF history as the first student invited into the Communication Department’s new fast-track graduate program.
“At this point, I think the UAF experience I'm most proud of was when I was asked to be the first student to go through the communication department's new accelerated master's program,” she said. “I'm so honored that my professors, and the Communications Department as a whole, thought I would be a good fit, and I cannot wait to get started. I'm so, so excited about the opportunity.”
Beyond her academic achievements, Anna is building a career where her passions for communication and finance intersect. “Right now, I'm working part time at Edward Jones, and I absolutely love it,” she says. “I love getting to know our clients and being able to build relationships with them as we help them plan for the future. I think it's really cool that I've been able to find ways to incorporate my communication studies into my work.” With prospects for a full-time role and room for advancement, she’s excited about what lies ahead: “It’s really a win-win situation, and it makes me really excited for what my future might hold.”
Anna’s commitment to both professional growth and local service is a hallmark of her UAF journey. From teaching dance classes to volunteering in her hometown, she’s been able to remain actively engaged in her community while completing her degree online. “I really wanted to be a part of the high quality education that UAF provides,” she explains, “but I didn't want to go off to college because I am so connected to my community here in Soldotna.” That decision, she says, opened doors: “I've been able to learn on my own schedule, I've saved a lot of money, and most importantly, I've been able to create my own fulfilling college experience that works for me.”
Her advice to future students? “You don't have to attend on campus to make the most of your college experience,” she says. “For some people in person is amazing, and I love that for them, but it's not the only option... Don’t be afraid to at least consider their online program. My unique UAF experience was only possible because of it.”
Looking to the future, Anna hopes to continue making a difference in the finance world—especially as a young woman in a field still lacking representation. “My hope is to continue on with Edward Jones,” she says. “I really want to use my communication expertise to be able to help others. There’s very little representation of young people and very little representation of women. Both of those areas are something that I could help with, so I think that’d be really cool.”
With curiosity, compassion, and commitment, Anna DeVolld is already shaping a future that bridges purpose and professionalism—and inspiring others to pursue their own unique paths at UAF and beyond.