Sheldon Jackson College, Sitka

Sheldon Jackson College (SJC) held a distinguished place as a small private institution of higher learning situated on Baranof Island in Sitka. Established in 1878, it stood as the oldest college in Alaska and maintained a significant historical connection with the Presbyterian Church. The college derived its name from Reverend Sheldon Jackson, a prominent missionary and educational pioneer in Alaska whose contributions left an indelible mark on the region's development. Throughout its history, SJC played a vital role in providing educational opportunities and fostering intellectual growth within the Sitka community and beyond.

However, faced with declining enrollment numbers, Sheldon Jackson College ceased its operations in 2007. Four years later, the campus ownership transitioned to the entity overseeing the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Today, the former college campus serves as a hub for various educational, cultural, and artistic endeavors. It hosts a diverse array of organizations and institutions, including the Sheldon Jackson Museum, the Sitka Sound Science Center, the Sitka Summer Music Festival, the Sitka International Hostel, Outer Coast College, and numerous others.