UMA welcomed 75 high school students to its Bangor campus on May 12 for a Rural Workforce Medical Bootcamp, a day designed to give students a closer look at healthcare and human services careers in Maine.

Students from the Katahdin and Washington County regions spent the day with UMA faculty and staff discovering opportunities in nursing, veterinary technology, dental health, medical laboratory technology, and mental health and human services. They rotated through hands-on activities, asked questions, and learned more about the kinds of careers that support Maine communities every day.

The program gives students an up-close look at different career options, with the hope of one day helping fill workforce needs in some of Maine’s most rural communities.

“If you think about the healthcare team, it’s the whole team. It’s not just about getting a provider to an area. It’s about helping secure professions for students who want to stay in their rural communities but granting them the access to really explore what their options are,” said Shannon Gauvin, director of nursing at the Â鶹APP, in a WABI TV5 story about the event. 

The Bangor event followed a recent Medical Bootcamp in Augusta, where approximately 40 Oxford County high school students explored health care programs through hands-on demonstrations in nursing, medical laboratory technology, mental health and human services, and dental programs. The Augusta event was offered in partnership with through a grant.

Together, the two events show how UMA is working with partners across the state to introduce students to healthcare and human services fields earlier, and in a more hands-on way. For many students, a day like this can make these careers feel more real and more within reach.

UMA is grateful to the students, schools, faculty, staff, and partners who helped make the Bangor event possible, including and Executive Director Korah Soll, whose collaboration helped bring students to campus for the experience.

Â鶹APP educator recognized on global stage for leadership in whole-child education and social-emotional learning

 Dr. Leigh Reagan Alley recently received a distinguished international honor from the 2026 Women Changing the World Global Awards held in Paris on April 22. Dr. Alley was named the second-place winner in the Woman in Education category. The recognition followed a highly competitive selection process that included more than 1,500 nominees from 97 countries.

Alley serves as Â鶹APP coordinator of teacher education and an assistant professor of education. While the awards ceremony took place on a global stage, her work is deeply rooted in the needs of students and educators here in Maine. Earlier this year, she was named a global finalist in both the Education and Rural Impact categories, ultimately being awarded Silver in Education. This dual recognition highlights her commitment to strengthening local communities through innovative teaching.

Her work focuses on “whole-child” education and social-emotional learning. These are essential foundations for building resilient schools and thriving communities. By teaching future educators to lead with empathy and a holistic mindset, Alley is helping to ensure that Maine’s classrooms are places where every student feels safe and valued.

Alley shared that being recognized among women making such profound impacts worldwide is deeply humbling. As the 2nd Place honoree in the Woman in Education category, Alley was recognized alongside 1st Place winner Naledi Nshingila, 3rd Place winner Jyothi Vemu, and Honorable Mention Sarah Chapman. To Alley, education is about much more than academic achievement. She believes it is about belonging, dignity, and the human relationships that help both learners and teachers thrive. This award affirms her belief that humanity belongs at the very heart of the classroom.

At UMA, Alley is known for her dedication to “compassionate rigor,” which balances high academic standards with genuine care. This global honor highlights the growing importance of that balance in modern education. It is a proud moment for our university and a reminder of the world-class expertise our faculty bring to our students every day.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Leigh Alley on this remarkable achievement.

The Farber Forum at the Â鶹APP filled with writers, students and community members on April 25, as the 24th annual Plunkett Poetry Festival brought together voices from across Maine and beyond for an evening of poetry and reflection.

The program opened with welcome remarks from English professor Ellen Taylor, followed by remarks from UMA President Jenifer Cushman, who emphasized the importance of the arts in fostering connection, expression and dialogue across the university and the broader community.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of student poets from Maine high schools and colleges, whose work was honored through the Plunkett Poetry Contest.

Winning High School Poets:

• Kira Motiwalla — “Para Mi Abuela” (First Place)
• Denali Garson — “Winter Solstice” (Second Place)
• Murielle Cariadli — “Ode to a Bathroom Mirror” (Third Place)

Winning Undergraduate Poets:

• Jaylin Espinosa — “Nada Facil” (First Place)
• Gabriella Shetreet — “O Doomscroller” (Second Place)

Their readings offered a powerful glimpse into the perspectives and creativity of emerging writers across the state.

The program then moved from student voices to statewide literary leadership, as Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Claudia Rankine.

Rankine, a MacArthur fellow and New York Times-bestselling author, delivered a keynote reading that explored themes of identity, language and human connection. Known for her groundbreaking work Citizen: An American Lyric, Rankine’s presence brought a national perspective into conversation with Maine’s literary community.

The evening reflected the festival’s broader mission of connecting writers at all stages, from students just beginning to share their work to nationally recognized voices shaping contemporary literature.

As UMA wraps up its 60th anniversary year, events like the Plunkett Poetry Festival highlight the university’s continued commitment to the arts, civic dialogue and opportunities for learners across Maine.

The Â鶹APP community recently gathered at Stevens Commons in Hallowell to break ground on a new 60-bed residence hall.

What began in 2019 when UMA welcomed its first 34 residential students to Stevens Hall, has steadily grown as more students choose to live near campus and participate in daily student life. 

Erskine Hall increased housing capacity to 48 beds in 2020, and Cleveland Hall, which opened fall of 2023, brought the total number of beds to 102. 

Demand exceeded supply almost immediately, and the 2025-2026 housing need increased by 35%. To keep up, UMA introduced short-term housing options and a waitlist while planning for continued expansion. 

UMA is responding to that need. Margaret Chase Morrill Hall will expand housing while adding new shared spaces, including a café that gives students a place to eat, gather, and spend time together, with the added convenience of being right where they live. It will be a fresh place for those everyday experiences that build lasting memories of college life.

At the groundbreaking, students helped tell that story. Lillian Cox, a third-year interdisciplinary studies major and captain of the women’s basketball team, and Skyla Dean, a sophomore nursing student and multi-sport athlete, spoke about what it means to be part of this close-knit community. 

While UMA remains a leader in distance education, expanded housing creates opportunities for students to shape their college experience in meaningful ways. More students who take on-site courses, like those in Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technology, will be able to live close to campus. More housing will also enable growth for our athletics department as we pursue NCAA Division III status. Being part of a local student community creates space for building friendships and connecting through in-person campus experiences like concerts, lectures, student activities, and athletic events.

Â鶹APP new residence hall is named for Margaret Chase Morrill, the first woman to graduate from the University of Maine’s civil engineering program. It is expected to open in fall 2027.

Mark your calendar! The 2026 Plunkett Poetry Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at the UMA Augusta campus. This year’s festival includes a lineup of engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and vibrant programming designed to celebrate the art of poetry.

We are honored to welcome Claudia Rankine as our keynote speaker. Rankine is a New York Times bestseller, a MacArthur “Genius” Award Recipient, and an NBCCA winner for criticism. Her work is known for its innovation and candor, pushing the boundaries of form and exploring critical social themes of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Festival Highlights

Poetry Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions led by distinguished poets, Joseph Jackson, Samaa Abdurraqib, and Jeffrey Thomson. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to refine your craft and engage with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

Two Poets, One Poem: Listen to poets Danez Smith and Ian-Khara Ellasante in dialogue on poetry and craft, and join the conversation during the Q and A. Danez Smith has authored four poetry collections and is a recipient of the Lambda Literary Award and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award, as well as a finalist for the National Book Award. Ian-Khara Ellasante is a cultural studies theorist, author of the poetry series Diana, and a faculty member at Bates College.

Open Mic: Enjoy readings from both emerging and established poets, share your own poems, and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices in our poetry community.

Student Poetry Contest: Hear Maine high school and undergraduate contest winners read their work ahead of the keynote address.

For detailed information on the festival schedule, workshop registration, and open-mic sign up, please visit our official festival page:

Plunkett Poetry Festival

We hope you’ll join us for this community gathering as we celebrate poetic expression, the power of words, and the voices that bring them to life!

The Capital Center was buzzing with activity as UMA teamed up with the Capital Area New Mainers Project to host our Fourth Annual Eid Community Potluck.

Despite the damp weather outside, about 80 guests gathered to share a meal and learn more about the diverse traditions found within our local community. Since Eid al-Fitr marks “the festival of breaking the fast” at the end of Ramadan, it was the perfect occasion for the food to take center stage, and it was amazing!

Highlights of the Afternoon

A True Potluck: Attendees brought an incredible array of delicacies and special treats. The tables were filled with diverse flavors and helpful ingredient lists, ensuring everyone could enjoy the feast.

Community Connection: The event stayed true to the meaning of Eid—”celebration”—as students, staff, and locals connected over shared plates and conversation.

A Great Gathering Space: The Capital Center, home to our Nursing and Cybersecurity programs, proved to be an excellent venue for bringing people together to appreciate the cultural fabric of our region.

The afternoon was a fantastic reminder of the vibrant community we have here at UMA. To everyone who brought a dish or a story: thank you for making this fourth annual celebration a success!

The President’s Council on Transforming Lives in partnership with Wabanaki REACH will host the showing of the award-winning documentary “Dawnland,” A Documentary About Cultural Survival and Stolen Children – The Story of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The documentary film screening will take place as a hybrid event on Tuesday, April 14th 11:00am – 1:00pm. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. The in-person location on the UMA Augusta campus is TBD. Light refreshments will be served.

“In Maine, a historic investigation—the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission in the United States—begins a bold journey. For over two years, Native and non-Native commissioners travel across Maine. They gather testimony and bear witness to the devastating impact of the state’s child welfare practices on families in Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribal communities. Collectively, these tribes make up the Wabanaki people.” – Adam Mazo / Ben Pender-Cudlip, filmmakers

Dawnland follows the TRC to contemporary Wabanaki communities to witness intimate, sacred moments of truth-telling and healing. With exclusive access to this groundbreaking process and never-before-seen footage, the film reveals the untold narrative of Indigenous child removal in the United States.

A discussion will follow the film and will include Esther Anne, Passamaquoddy, and Penthea Burns, non-Native. Both are among the founders of the Truth Commission and Wabanaki REACH. “If we can work together in that good way [for the truth commission], in a system of mutual respect, to work for our children, then I think we can work together in anything because nothing is more sacred than our children.” – Esther Anne, founder, Wabanaki REACH

Wabanaki REACH is a non-profit organization that works towards a future when Wabanaki and Maine people join together to acknowledge truth and work collectively toward equity, healing, and positive change through our community education programs. Wabanaki REACH promotes Wabanaki wellbeing and deeply believes in the natural strength and beauty of Wabanaki culture, language and ways of being.

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 our UMA Dental Hygiene Program was out and about over the weekend volunteering for the Winter hosted at University of Maine’s Field House in Orono Maine!

We were a large group of volunteers- including the University of New England Dental students, UMA Dental Hygiene students, UMA Dental Hygiene alumni, Special Olympics Clinical Director Lorraine Klug, IPDH, volunteer dentists, UMA and UNE faculty all joined in to provide oral health screenings, fabricate sports guards, and provide oral health education for the athletes in attendance.

This hands-on experience reflects Â鶹APP commitment to working alongside communities and meeting people where they are. For students, moments like this are where learning comes to life, building confidence, strengthening skills and preparing them to serve with compassion and connection in the communities they call home.

A new student club at the Â鶹APP is creating space for connection, support, and belonging. Seen and Herd, founded by student Fray Bennett, alum John Ellis, and faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, grew from a simple idea that kept coming up in conversation: students need a place where they can show up as themselves and be met with understanding.

We asked Amy Peterson Cyr a few questions about what we can expect from the club.

What is the official name of the club? Seen and Herd

How would you describe the club in one sentence? Seen and Herd is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to gather, connect, share space, plan events, and support one another.

Why does creating this space matter right now on campus?  This is a challenging time in the world and many LGBTQIA+ folks may be feeling unsafe. By coming together, we can support one another and build a safe space.

Can you share a moment, idea, or conversation that sparked the club’s creation? Our founders are current student Fray Bennett and recently graduated student John Ellis. They, along with faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, began chatting about the need for this club a year ago. After meeting many times, they crafted the constitution and bylaws and the club was officially born!

What kinds of activities, events, or gatherings do you envision? Initially we look forward to meeting people and building a supportive community, both in-person and online. We hope, in the future, to provide some educational programs and events at UMA, participate in Pride in June, and pursue the desires of the members!

What leadership opportunities are available, and why do they matter? All leadership roles: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary are available for interested students. Having an elected role in a campus club provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth, development of leadership skills, as well as some sparkle on your resume! Leaders need not be on-campus; students at a distance are also encouraged to pursue leadership roles.

How does this club reflect Â鶹APP values of belonging, access, and community? Because our meetings will be held on Zoom as well as on campus, access is available to folks at a distance.  Our constitution promotes “an environment of equality, understanding, and harmony for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.”

What would you say to a student who is interested but unsure about joining? Come to our first meeting and see what you think! There is absolutely no pressure or obligation; we are just looking forward to meeting folks and building community.

What does success look like for this club in its first year? Having a healthy membership that supports the leadership roles is a primary goal as we begin to build this club. We look forward to meeting new people and creating a community that is inclusive, supportive, and excited about what our role can look like at UMA. 

Interested students are invited to our first meeting on Tues. April 7, at 3 p.m., in Randall Hall room 218 and on Zoom. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please contact faculty club advisor Amy Cyr at amy.peterson@maine.edu or student Fray Bennett at timothy.bennett@maine.edu.

The club will hold both in-person and virtual events and provide a safe space for folks to gather and connect. Opportunities exist to hold a leadership role, as officers need to be selected. All LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies are warmly welcomed. We hope to see you soon!

Mark your calendar for April 7 at 3 p.m.

Join the UMA Admissions team and UMA Mental Health & Human Services Faculty on Zoom for a series of information sessions about UMA certificate programs in substance use disorders, mental health and employment support.

These informal Zoom sessions are designed for working professionals and adult learners who want to build new skills or advance in their current roles. Meet faculty, learn about program pathways and have your questions answered.

No registration is required. Participants may drop in to any session.

Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders Information Sessions

Thursday, April 2
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about Â鶹APP six-course graduate certificate designed to expand knowledge and skills for professionals working with individuals impacted by substance use. Faculty will discuss program structure, career pathways and how the certificate supports professionals serving Maine communities.

Certificate in Employment Specialist Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 15
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Discover how this certificate prepares professionals to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment. The program aligns with national certification standards through ACRE.

MHRT/C Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 22
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community certificate and how it prepares professionals to support individuals living with mental health conditions in community settings.

All sessions will be held on Zoom. Find links on the .

For more information, contact umaadm@maine.edu.