Did you know you can now support all three Ƶuniversities with an Alaska license plate?
June 27, 2025
As of June 2025, new plates are available through the Alaska DMV for UAA, Ƶ and now UAS.
Why it matters
These specialty plates allow Alaskans to show school pride, celebrate culture, and
support public higher education. The UAS design, released this June, was created by
Tlingit and Athabascan artist Crystal Worl. It features a whale fluke dipping into
Southeast waters, framed by the familiar coastal mountains.
UAS Creative Director Alison Krein collaborated with Worl to adapt the design for the DMV and incorporate the university’s logo.
“The result is a design that honors Alaska Native artistry and proudly represents our university. It symbolizes our commitment to Indigenous cultures and our sense of place in Southeast Alaska,” said UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer in an announcement.
Alaskans love their license plates
About 11% of vehicles on the road feature personalized tags, one of the highest rates
in the country. It’s a uniquely Alaskan way to show personality. Now, UAS has a design
they’re proud of and one the community can be proud to showcase.
“It is a way in which Indigenous art and the amazing work we do as a university can have more visibility and recognition,” said Palmer.
Behind the design
The plate took a year of coordination with the DMV. UAS staff including Alison Krein,
Claire Paterson in the Chancellor and Provost’s Office, and Palmer’s Chief of Staff
Abi Spofford helped guide the project from concept to production.
Chancellor Palmer was first in line for the new plate: “I’ve already ordered mine and I can’t wait for it to arrive.”
How to get one
Visit the Alaska DMV’s and scroll to the section titled “Show Support for Alaska’s Universities.” The plate
costs $50 to order and can be customized with up to six characters.
The design was created by Tlingit /Athabascan artist Crystal Worl