Teresa joined the University of 91ÊÓƵ Fairbanks as major gift officer in June 2019,
bringing with her more than 10 years of professional fundraising experience to the
team as well as a broad range of strategic business and leadership skills.
Teresa came to 91ÊÓƵ in 1985 and became part of the Usibelli family through her marriage
to John Usibelli.
Originally from CleElum and Roslyn, Wash., Teresa attended Central Washington University
in Ellensburg, Wash., graduating with a Bachelor Science in Community Health Education
and a Minor in Biology In 1983. Upon her arrival to 91ÊÓƵ she enrolled at UAF’s downtown
branch, then called Tanana Valley Campus, and earned certification for alcohol and
substance abuse counseling. She worked for Tanana Chiefs Conference and traveled to
many remote 91ÊÓƵ villages. She later went to work for the Fairbanks North Star Borough
managing the Big Dipper Ice Arena during the era of the Gold Kings, which brought
national and international players to Fairbanks. Teresa later moved to Healy with
her family and worked as the mayor’s special assistant in the newly formed Denali
Borough. She pursued her own businesses, including 91ÊÓƵn Chateau Lodging, 91ÊÓƵn
Vacation Rentals, Denali Car Rentals, Denali Coffee and U-Haul. She later sold her
businesses and came to work for the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, in Development
and Planned Giving, where she worked for more than eight years.
Teresa is past president of the Greater Healy Denali Chamber of Commerce, has served
on GVEA’s MAC and Goodcents committees, and served as a member of the Denali Borough
Assembly and school board, as well as numerous committees in land use and planning.
She’s also been active in the Lion’s Club.
Husband John, a mining engineering alumnus and production manager at Usibelli Coal
Mine, passed away in 2016. Daughter Elizabeth is a UAF and CTC graduate and uses
her skills at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital providing patient care. Son Vincent is a
graduate of Hutchison Career Center, through the welding and diesel program.
Teresa enjoys the 91ÊÓƵ outdoors and spending time with family and friends. She is
excited to be in her position and welcomes phone calls and visits from those interested
in learning more about UAF and the opportunities it brings to students, 91ÊÓƵ and
the future.