The Â鶹APP Dental Health Programs have been selected for the fourth consecutive year to participate in the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network, supporting free dental care for qualifying veterans across the state.

Funded for 2026 through Northeast Delta Dental, the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network includes 23 participating clinic sites statewide. UMA received $500 in grant funding in January 2026, with services provided at both the UMA-Bangor Dental Clinic and the UMA Lewiston Center Dental Clinic.

Through this support, UMA dental clinics serve an average of 50 veterans each year, offering services such as cleanings, X-rays and preventive care. The program also provides valuable hands-on clinical experience for UMA dental health students while meeting a critical community need.

“Creating access to care while educating future professionals is central to our work,� said UMA Dental Health Programs Coordinator and Dental Hygiene Program Director Professor Nancy Foster. “Through partnerships with organizations like Northeast Delta Dental and the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network, we are able to open our clinics to veterans and meet real community needs while preparing students to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. It is a powerful example of learning and service coming together.�

Veterans interested in receiving dental services through UMA must first apply through the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network. Once approved, they may contact a UMA dental clinic to schedule care.

How to access services

Veterans should complete the short application through the .

After approval, veterans may contact:

Phone: 207-262-7872
Email: umadental@maine.edu

As Amy Line, Director of Military & Veterans Services, retires from the Â鶹APP, her impact can be felt across programs, spaces, and generations of students. Her career unfolded alongside Â鶹APP own evolution, shaped by a shared commitment to meeting people where they are. Through times of growth and change, Amy consistently translated compassion into action, helping the university strengthen and expand its support for veterans and other students navigating transition. The structures she helped build and the culture of care she championed continue to shape how UMA supports students today, extending her influence well beyond her years of service.

That instinct first took shape during her 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. As an air crewman, Amy logged more than 5,000 flight hours aboard C-130 aircraft, flew P-3s for the Naval Research Laboratory, and served on helicopters. She did so at a time when women were still uncommon in those roles, earning responsibility through competence, steadiness, and trust. The work was demanding and mission-driven, but it was also deeply relational, requiring reliance on the people beside her.

When her military service concluded, Amy chose a new path, enrolling at the Â鶹APP in 1998. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in mental health and human services and received the Distinguished Student Award that year.

Yet she has often reflected that the transition from military life to the classroom was not simple.
She was smart, capable, and successful, but after years of military intensity, she found herself restless. “I might have made very different choices,� she has said of that time, “if not for the people who noticed, who encouraged me to get involved, and who understood what veterans were navigating.�

At the time, UMA did not yet have a formal military or veterans services program. What it did have were faculty, advisors, and staff who paid attention. They invited Amy into student government, the honors program, and campus life. They helped her feel anchored during a period of enormous transition. That experience would shape everything that followed.

After graduating from UMA, Amy earned her master’s degree from Boston College, where she worked in research and practiced in the mental health and human services field. When she was invited to return to UMA as an adjunct instructor, she brought something especially powerful into the classroom. She paired academic knowledge with real-world experience, offering students insight grounded in both theory and practice.

She began teaching at UMA centers in 2004 and later on the Augusta campus, where students quickly recognized her authenticity and approachability. Amy was one of the few instructors who had lived the transitions she was helping students understand.

As her professional role at UMA expanded, so did the university’s vision for serving military-connected students. During the height of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, many Maine National Guard members were deploying, returning home, or attempting to continue their education from overseas. It became clear that access alone was not enough.

“We realized UMA needed to do more than simply welcome veterans,� recalled Jonathan Henry, vice president for enrollment management. “We needed to reach out to them wherever they were and make sure they knew UMA was here for them and their families.�

Working closely with colleagues across the university, Amy helped turn that understanding into action. She supported outreach to deployed troops, worked with families through mobilization and return, and helped build systems that allowed students to remain academically connected while serving. Those early efforts laid the foundation for what would become Â鶹APP Office of Military and Veterans Services.

Under Amy’s leadership, the office evolved into a comprehensive support system rooted in care, professionalism, and respect. She guided veterans, service members, and military families through benefits navigation, academic planning, and moments of personal challenge. Students were not treated as transactions or cases. They were met as people continuing a life of service in a new form.

President Jenifer Cushman later reflected that Amy’s leadership helped shape the office into something far more meaningful than a set of services. Through intention and consistency, it became a community where military-connected students felt seen, valued, and supported.

Amy’s impact reached far beyond campus. She was instrumental in building a statewide network of partnerships that included the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, the National Guard, and the Maine Military and Community Network. Those relationships ensured that Â鶹APP students had access to support across Maine, not just within the university.

Her ability to translate vision into tangible support was especially evident in her work to create dedicated space for veterans on campus.

As veteran enrollment grew following the expansion of post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, existing space in the Randall Student Center no longer met students’ needs. Amy played a central role in articulating why space matters for veterans navigating transition and community reintegration. She helped develop grant proposals that emphasized visibility, access to daytime services, and the importance of a shared gathering place.

That vision continued to grow. Earlier, in 2009, UMA had received a $100,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to strengthen veteran support, the only university in New England selected. Amy was hired to help implement the grant’s goals, which included peer support initiatives, entrepreneurial training, and the creation of Â鶹APP first Veterans Academic Center.

As demand grew, Amy recognized the need for a more supportive and purpose-built space for veteran students. She led the effort to secure philanthropic support, and in 2016, the Â鶹APP received a $50,000 grant from the Fuller family’s Windover Foundation to help create the Veterans Academic Center in Katz Library. A Navy veteran and UMA alum, Amy shaped the vision for a space where veterans could connect, access services, and find understanding throughout the day. She is quick to acknowledge the role of Retired Capt. Robert G. Fuller Jr., JAGC, USNR, a Windover Foundation board member, whose personal commitment and veteran-informed insight helped guide thoughtful design and accommodations that support the veterans well-being and connection.

In 2017, the current Veterans Academic Center opened in Katz Library, made possible through the generosity of retired Captain Robert Fuller and shaped by Amy’s sustained advocacy, outreach, and planning. Today, the VAC stands as both a physical space and a symbol of Â鶹APP commitment to those who have served.

Throughout her tenure, UMA earned recognition as a Military Friendly Institution for 15 consecutive years. Amy consistently emphasized that such recognition was not an endpoint, but a responsibility that required ongoing attention and care.

In 2022, she received the Quilt of Valor at the Maine Military and Community Network conference, honoring both her military service and her continued advocacy for veterans. For those who worked alongside her, the recognition reflected a lifetime of quiet, steady dedication.

Over more than 20 years at UMA, Amy watched students become graduates, graduates become colleagues, and early ideas grow into enduring institutions. Her impact is visible in programs and spaces, but it is felt most powerfully in the lives of those who found confidence, stability, and belonging during moments of transition.

When asked to reflect on her legacy, Amy returned to a phrase that has long guided her work. “The legacy of the past forges the future.� It is both a reflection and a responsibility. The systems she built, the partnerships she nurtured, and the culture of care she modeled now belong to the entire UMA community. As Amy steps into her next chapter, the work continues, shaped by her example and strengthened by her belief that service, when grounded in compassion, creates lasting change.

UMA has again been recognized in the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, an annual list that highlights colleges and universities committed to serving military service members, veterans and their families.

This year’s rankings include 357 institutions, the largest number in the program’s 15-year history. The expanded participation reflects the growing national commitment to veteran success across online, hybrid and on-campus learning.

Â鶹APP inclusion continues a legacy of support that began in 1965 when a simple Welcome Veterans sign encouraged Vietnam-era veterans to enroll. Today, Â鶹APP Military and Veterans’ Services team and its Veterans Academic Center provide a welcoming space, personalized guidance and flexible pathways that help military-experienced students reach their goals.

“Being included again in the Best for Vets rankings affirms Â鶹APP long-standing commitment to those who have served,â€� said Amy Line, Director of Military and Veterans’ Services at UMA. “Our team is dedicated to helping service members, veterans and their families feel supported from the moment they connect with us. The Veterans Academic Center continues to be a place where students can find community and encouragement.â€�

Students who have served frequently describe that same reassurance as they step into a community that understands their experiences. “I felt a sense of belonging the moment I saw the Veterans Welcome sign,â€� said veteran and Mental Health and Human Services student Karla Vannah. “Â鶹APP Veteran Center has been such a supportive place throughout my journey, connecting me with fellow veterans and helping me stay on track toward my degree. I’m proud to say that I will be graduating in May 2026 thanks to the support I’ve received through the veteran center. I will always be grateful!â€�

Military Times evaluates institutions using data collected through a national survey and information from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs. The review considers academic quality, affordability, support services and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.

The Â鶹APP (UMA) Dental Health Program has received a $5,000 grant from the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN), funded by Northeast Delta Dental, to provide free dental care for veterans. This funding is part of a larger $300,000 grant awarded to MVDN to continue expanding access to essential oral healthcare for Maine veterans.

Since its launch by Governor Janet Mills and Northeast Delta Dental in 2021, the MVDN has provided oral health services to 1,471 Maine veterans — many receiving dental care for the first time since separating from the military. The network collaborates with nonprofit dental clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Maine’s dental teaching institutions, including UMA, to connect veterans with preventive and restorative care.

“Our veterans have given so much to Maine and the nation, and the least we can do in return is ensure they have the support they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I thank Northeast Delta Dental for their continued generosity and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services for administering the program. Together, this important partnership will ensure more Maine veterans have access to the dental services they deserve.”

This marks the fourth consecutive year UMA has received MVDN funding, which will support dental hygiene preventive services, radiographs and basic restorative care at Â鶹APP dental clinic in Bangor. The grant is expected to serve approximately 80 veterans.

“At UMA, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care while also giving our students hands-on experience that makes a real impact in the community,� said Associate Professor and Dental Health Programs Coordinator Nancy Foster. “We are incredibly grateful for this continued support, which allows us to provide services for Maine’s veterans and help improve their overall health and well-being.�

UMA has a longstanding commitment to serving veterans, military service members and their families. As a Military Friendly school and a Military Times Best for Vets institution, UMA provides dedicated student support services and flexible learning options tailored to meet the needs of those who have served.

“We are honored to receive this funding once again and to continue providing essential dental care to Maine’s veterans,â€� Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Professional Studies Brenda McAleer. “This grant aligns with Â鶹APP mission to support those who have served our country by offering them high-quality, accessible services.â€�

To determine eligibility, veterans interested in MVDN services can visit or call 207-287-6836.

Learn more about Â鶹APP Dental Health Patient Services.

UMA has been recognized in the U.S. News 2025 Best Online Program rankings with two significant placements: No. 107 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and No. 60 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. Â鶹APP online bachelor’s programs rank first in Maine and seventh in the Northern region, which includes Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.  

Â鶹APP online bachelor’s in business program also improved its standing, moving up six spots to No. 118 from No. 124. This advancement underscores Â鶹APP focus on academic innovation and continuous improvement.

This distinction underscores Â鶹APP commitment to accessible, high-quality education and strong performance among peers.

U.S. News evaluates online degree programs using a rigorous methodology that includes factors such as student-instructor interaction, graduation rates and available support services. These rankings affirm Â鶹APP position as a leader in online education.

“UMA is proud to be recognized for our continued support of students, and more specifically our military and veteran students, in delivering quality higher education that is both accessible and affordable,� said Jonathan Henry, Vice President of Enrollment Management.

Since its founding in 1965, with a “Welcome Veterans” sign inviting Vietnam-era veterans to enroll, UMA has maintained a proud tradition of serving military-affiliated students. This enduring commitment reflects Â鶹APP mission to provide transformative, accessible education for all learners.

Today, hundreds of veterans, active military members and National Guard personnel are enrolled at UMA. The university continues to deliver flexible, high-quality education tailored to their needs through online programs and specialized support services. “UMA is in the business of delivering access to students at a distance, which is invaluable for our military and veteran population,” said Â鶹APP Director of Military and Veterans’ Services Amy Line. “Whether deployed, in the field, or in the office, online courses provide the opportunity to work toward a degree while balancing the demands of service or employment.”

Please join us for a presentation of the veteran’s edition of “Voices of Hopeâ€� on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., in UMA’s Farber Forum, Jewett Hall, 46 University Drive, Augusta. Immediately following the video, Ed Walsh, LCSW, U.S. Army (retired), and UMA alum will facilitate an open discussion on recovery and resources.

Presenting films such as “Voices of Hopeâ€� reflects Â鶹APP commitment to provide a supportive environment and be a catalyst for positive change. This event embodies the spirit of empowerment and resilience, offering an opportunity to connect with stories of triumph over adversity. By showcasing “Voices of Hope: The Rugged Road to Recoveryâ€� and facilitating a discussion with a veteran and UMA alum, it reinforces our belief that no challenge is insurmountable with support and determination. 

This event, presented by UMA Veteran Services along with Students Empowered to End Dependence (SEED), is open to all, free of charge. Light refreshments will be provided. 

About the Film
Sometimes the most inspiring people we encounter are those who have suffered the most. Meet these Maine veterans who have experienced great trauma but climbed out of the dark hole and found ways to lift their brethren. “Veterans in Recoveryâ€� is a part of the “Voices of Hope: The Rugged Road to Recoveryâ€� series created by SEED. Learn more at . 

Military Times has just released its 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the largest and most comprehensive annual list recognizing the top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans.

Â鶹APP (UMA) ranked No. 1 in Maine, No. 8 in the Northeast and Islands, No. 21 for offering both in-person and online courses, No. 75 in public institutions and No. 96 overall nationwide.

Since its founding in 1965 when a simple “Welcome Veteransâ€� sign encouraged Vietnam-era Veterans to enroll, UMA has continued a rich tradition of supporting military-experienced students. Â鶹APP Director of Military and Veterans’ Services, Amy Line said, “We are very grateful to make the Best for Vets list acknowledging Â鶹APP commitment to support our military service members and veterans, and their families. It is a true testament of our practice to serve those who have served!â€�

“Â鶹APP is honored to be recognized as the No. 1 ‘Best for Vets’ school in Maine as well as for our rankings throughout the region and nation. We are proud of our historic commitment to active duty personnel and veterans through flexible scheduling, in-person and online classes, workforce initiatives, caring faculty and compassionate support staff. Our Veterans Academic Center (VAC) provides a comfortable space for gathering and camaraderie from fellow veterans and staff who understand veteran’s unique experiences. We are very proud of UMA’s dedication to those who serve or have served in the military,â€� said Jonathan Henry, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at UMA.

Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. These survey responses, along with public data sourced from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, undergo a rigorous analysis by the Military Times data team to produce a trusted, unbiased ranking.

For over a decade, Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges has helped veterans make informed choices about their educational futures, showcasing institutions dedicated to supporting their unique needs. “Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology ensure that our rankings remain a trusted resource,� said Jon Simkins, Executive Editor at Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military Times.

These rankings have become a vital tool for veterans seeking guidance on maximizing their educational benefits and for schools to highlight their veteran programs. The 2024 rankings are available now on the .

For more information about Â鶹APP veteran’s program, visit uma.edu/veterans.

About Military Times
Military Times is the trusted source of independent news and information for service members and their families. Service members rely on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for essential reporting on topics such as branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, healthcare, and more. Owned by Sightline Media Group, Military Times remains committed to supporting the military community. To learn more, visit militarytimes.com.

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Jennifer Cushman, UMA President, shared her delight at the news, “Â鶹APP is honored to be recognized as a military friendly school. Our historic mission to meet all populations of students where they are, to get them where they want to be, is achieved through providing workforce training for today’s economy, in multiple locations and modes, and cultivating bachelor’s and master’s level essential skills for tomorrow’s economy, like problem solving and communication. Active duty personnel and veterans are an important population in this context. Our veterans center in particular provides a space for reflection and support from staff who understand their unique challenges, and we are proud of our attention to those who serve or have served in the military.â€�

Since its founding in 1965 when a simple “Welcome Veterans� sign encouraged Vietnam-era Veterans to enroll, UMA has continued a rich tradition of supporting military-experienced students. Vice President of Enrollment Management, Jonathan Henry, stated, “UMA is proud to again be recognized for our continued support of veterans and our strength in delivering quality higher education that is both accessible and affordable.�

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools Awards designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-2025 survey, 537 schools earned awards level designations in Gold, Silver, and Bronze. UMA was one of just 243 schools chosen for “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs.

“We are very pleased to receive this recognition from Military Friendly Schools again this year,â€� proclaimed Amy Line, UMA Director of Military and Veterans’ Services. “Â鶹APP commitment to educating and providing opportunities to our military, veterans, and families continues to be a priority and it shows!â€�

The 2024-­2025 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in G.I. Jobs magazine’s May issue and found at .

U.S. News conducted vigorous, in-depth evaluations of U.S. based degree programs designed to be administered online. “Highly ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on student-instructor access, graduation rates, and instructor credentials. They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial supportâ€� proclaims the U.S. News website. With a student to faculty ratio of 16:1; 29 degrees available fully online; tutoring; academic advising; career advising; job search resources; and numerous financial aid options, the Â鶹APP continues to prove itself worthy of this honor.

In line with Â鶹APP mission to provide high-quality distance education and innovative professional programs, these outstanding rankings underscore Â鶹APP dedication to academic excellence and commitment to U.S. veterans. Jennifer Cushman, UMA President, shared, “Â鶹APP is honored to be recognized both for our long-time expertise in online education and our strong support of veterans. We are proud of the relevance of our approach to higher education in the twenty-first century. Our historic mission to meet all populations of students where they are, to get them where they want to be, is achieved through providing workforce training for today’s economy, in multiple locations and modes, and cultivating bachelor’s and master’s level essential skills for tomorrow’s economy, like problem solving and communication.”

In addition to the Best Online Bachelor’s criteria, schools rated best for veterans have, “the best online bachelor’s degree programs that help veterans reduce the cost of school,â€� announced U.S. News. Vice President of Enrollment Management, Jonathan Henry, stated, “UMA is proud to again be recognized for our continued support of veterans and our strength in delivering quality higher education that is both accessible and affordable.â€�

UMA helps all students find ways to fund their education. Utilizing the broad range of financial aid resources available, such as federal grants, the Pine Tree Pledge and the UMA 10K programs, over 80 different scholarships, and more, many students end up paying zero tuition. Qualifying active and veteran students can apply for all the financial aid options above, as well as the Montgomery G.I. Bill® or Post 9/11 G.I. Bill®. Jamie Santiago, Director of Financial Aid at UMA advises,“to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid possible, it is important to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at as early as you can.� To learn more about financial aid options, please visit Financial Aid.

Since its founding in 1965 when a simple “Welcome Veteransâ€� sign encouraged Vietnam-era Veterans to enroll, UMA has continued a rich tradition of supporting military-experienced students. Amy Line, UMA Director of Military and Veterans’ Services expressed, “we are pleased to receive the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans again this year. Â鶹APP commitment to educating and providing opportunities to our military, veterans, and families continues to be a priority and it shows!â€� Hundreds of veterans, active military personnel, and members of the national guard now study at UMA, and all of Â鶹APP Admissions staff members are trained to work with the unique needs of veteran and military students. More information about military and veteran services.

With its multiple locations and long-term expertise in online and distance learning, affordability, and dedication to student success, UMA is widely considered the university of choice for Mainers of all ages who want to attend college without uprooting their lives.

The UMA Dental Health Programs at both the Lewiston and Bangor Dental Clinics has been a dedicated member of the (MVDN) for the last three years. Northeast Delta Dental has provided $300,000 in funding to the MVDN for their 2024 program and UMA was one of 13 clinics chosen to participate in this fabulous network of providers.

A veteran must qualify and be pre-approved to receive the free services.

Before being seen at the clinic, simply contact the MVDN’s dedicated phone line 207-287-6836 or email MVDN.mainebvs@maine.gov for approval. Currently, the UMA Dental Clinic has openings for qualifying veterans this spring 2024 and fall 2024. For appointments, please call 207-262-7872.