Learning on His Own Terms: Ryan Pullis
The UAF College of Liberal Arts proudly recognizes Ryan Pullis as one of the 2024–2025 Outstanding Students in the Philosophy program.
Ryan Pullis’ academic story doesn’t follow a traditional path—and that’s exactly what makes it remarkable. A philosophy major with a minor in mathematics, Ryan’s years at the University of AV̳ Fairbanks have been shaped by persistence, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to his family. His education, he says, hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been a long arc that winds through work, parenting, and personal growth.
Originally from Washington State, Ryan began his academic career at a community college, where he earned an associate’s degree around the time his first son was born. “At that time, he was in diapers,” Ryan recalls. “That’s pretty much it. I've been doing this for a long time.” Now, more than a decade later, he’s raising two sons—ages 12 and 14—and credits them with keeping him grounded and motivated through the ups and downs of student life. “My kids again are pretty much the motive force. They've been my touchstone for a while.”
Parenting while pursuing a degree full-time is never easy. Add a full-time job to the equation, and it becomes a balancing act that requires both discipline and grace. Ryan currently works at a community health center, a role that aligns with his desire to support and connect with others. Though his work is not directly tied to philosophy or math, he sees his education as deeply relevant to how he approaches people, systems, and ethical questions in real life.
Philosophy, for Ryan, isn’t just an academic field—it’s a mindset. His coursework has shaped how he thinks, questions, and relates to the world around him. As a nontraditional student, he brings a unique perspective to discussions that is both analytical and deeply human.
“The biggest lesson for me is that education can happen anywhere you go,” he reflects. “You can find teachers—even some that aren't claiming to be teachers—anywhere you go.” That philosophy of lifelong, place-based learning speaks to the heart of UAF’s liberal arts mission. Whether in a classroom or a conversation with his kids, Ryan remains attuned to the potential for insight, growth, and connection.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. “Even though there are struggles and things are difficult, it's education. Life's that way,” he says. “A lot of things will try to intervene or interfere in your progress as a person and a student. I’ve thought it was impossible more than once in the past, and I've turned out to be wrong. That's probably the biggest. It might take forever but it can be done, I guess.”
Now approaching graduation, Ryan isn’t rushing to define what comes next. Instead, he’s taking a patient and open-minded approach to his future. “I already work a full time job. I work in a community health center. I enjoy it there,” he says. “I am mostly keeping an open for opportunities kind of a mindset instead of trying to predict what is gonna become available in the future.” He’s considered graduate school, but only if it aligns with his priorities—stability, family, and meaningful work. “If I’m working with people and helping people in the way that I already am, I’m not too particular about the specific details as long as there are those features.”
Ryan’s story is a reminder that success isn’t always about speed—it’s about perseverance, purpose, and the people you bring along with you. His journey reflects the very best of the College of Liberal Arts: thoughtful, resilient, and grounded in real life.