Mike Cronk is the son of a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran. Growing up in Northway, Alaska, he developed a love and respect for the land and the rural lifestyle, learning to be patient, listen, live conservatively, and work toward self-sufficiency. Cronk graduated as valedictorian from Walter Northway School in 1987 and earned his education at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Upon graduating in 1992, he returned home to teach at his former school, later teaching middle school math and science in Tok. His experience includes 25 years of service on the Upper Tanana/40 Mile Advisory Committee and service as a teacher advisor and elected board member for the Alaska Gateway School District Regional School Board. He served as a State House Representative for District 36 before becoming a Senator.
