Board of Directors

president@folk.school
Randall Rozier, an architect in Fairbanks, grew up in Salcha spending most of his childhood building upon and exploring the banks of the Tanana River. After a brief stint out of state tromping around and pursuing an education he landed back in Fairbanks to pursue a career. Randall’s continued interest in the combination of the outdoors and local education opportunities drew him towards The Folk School of Fairbanks. Randall and his wife Brittany are more often outside than in, engaging in making the interior community their home, and ever exploring opportunities to learn.   

Gordon Williams was raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He’s had a lifelong interest in the outdoors, handcrafts and building things (but makes no claims to being terribly good at them). He learned to be an avid photographer and general putterer from his father and to enjoy arts and crafts and volunteer work from his mother. After spending his college years in Massachusetts and Washington, he and his wife Leah got their first jobs in eastern Pennsylvania. After living and working there for seven years he finally got to come home to Alaska again in 2009 when he got a job as a math professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he pursues his passions for pattern, symmetry and education.

Doug Bishop was born and raised in Fairbanks’ Goldstream Valley.  He and his family spent considerable time dog mushing, canoeing, hunting, trapping and exploring the interior of Alaska.  Doug attended ICS, Monroe and UAF.  His wife Lisa is a teacher and their kids are out on their own adventures.  As the Chief Financial Officer for Doyon Utilities, he is office bound during the day but enjoys the outdoors, the skills that TFS teaches and supports the mission of TFS.  Doug looks forward to using his Alaskan background, CPA training and management experience to help TFS.

Matt’s connection with trees has led to work in carpentry, cabinet-making, silviculture, and environmental education. His first woodworking project that he remembers really obsessing over was a clipboard. He has since built cabins, cabinets, and furniture. While most of the things he cares about have a clear link to trees, he does enjoy other things, including gardening, ski-joring, and fishing. Matt currently works in UAF Cooperative Extension’s agriculture program.

Michael Whalen is a professor and geologist at UAF and the Geophysical Institute. He grew up in western Pennsylvania but has lived in Fairbanks for over 20 years and loves to hike, bike, and cross-country ski. His interest in education and the outdoors drew him to The Folkschool where he hopes to make a positive contribution serving on the Board of Directors.

Kuowei Lee was born and raised in Taiwan and is currently a language tutor and translator. She moved to Fairbanks during the pandemic in 2020 and fell in love with the Interior of Alaska. While she enjoys exploring the territory by berry picking, hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing, her interest in all kinds of cultural activities, such as food, art, and handicrafts, brought her to join The Folk School Board of Directors. She hopes to make an effort to serve and include more ethnic groups throughout the community.