As UMA celebrates 60 years of expanding opportunity across Maine, we continue sharing the stories of the people who bring that mission to life.

Alyssa Stonier always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. What felt uncertain was how to make that goal fit alongside work, parenting, and the realities of adult life.

After leaving her job at the VA to stay home with her young child during a period of family transition, she stayed connected to school through online coursework at Central Maine Community College. When her family’s plans shifted again, Alyssa found herself returning to work, buying a home, and realizing that her long-held goal hadn’t changed.

“When we reshaped our life, I realized that being a nurse was still my dream,” she said. “I just didn’t know if nursing school could actually work with everything else.”

As she explored nursing programs across the state, Alyssa quickly ran into the same barrier again and again. The programs required rigid, full-time, daytime schedules that made working nearly impossible, especially for someone supporting and caring for a family.

Then she discovered the Â鶹APP.

As she learned more about the flexibility of the nursing program, her dream began to feel like a real possibility. Evening classes, asynchronous coursework, and adaptable clinical pathways meant she didn’t have to put the rest of her life on hold to move forward.

Alyssa remembers calling admissions with pages of questions, convinced there had to be a catch. “I thought it was too good to be true,” she said. “I asked everything about prerequisites, the cohort, clinicals, all of it. I needed to know exactly what I was signing up for.” But as her questions were being answered, Alyssa realized there was no catch. “I remember thinking, the opportunity actually feels real here.” 

Thanks to transferred credits from her associate degree in psychology from CMCC, Alyssa is currently a sophomore completing her program prerequisites at UMA. She is excited to be joining the fall 2026 nursing cohort. As Alyssa continues working toward her degree, she is juggling online classes, a remote data entry job, and family life with two littles at home—including newborn Charlotte.

What stays with Alyssa most is how grounded and normal the experience feels. With all of her responsibilities, she never feels set apart from the rest of her classmates. At school, she is simply a student, learning, growing, and preparing for the work she hopes to do.

“Even during my pregnancy, I was able to stay focused on learning and preparing for my future,” she said. “UMA made it possible to keep progressing toward my goals, and I always knew support was there if I needed it. Now that Charlotte is here, happy and healthy, I’m so grateful I’ve been able to continue my education through it all.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone unsure whether nursing can fit into their life, Alyssa doesn’t hesitate.

“Just do it,” she said. “UMA is very human-oriented. They care about you as a person, not just as a student. If you need to slow down, take time, or shift directions, that’s okay. They understand that life happens.”

For Alyssa, that understanding has turned a long-held goal into a plan she can finally carry forward. With a path that fits her life, she is doing what once felt impossible and moving steadily toward the nursing career she has always wanted.

Stories like Alyssa’s reflect what 60 years of UMA looks like in practice: opportunity, persistence, and a community that helps people move forward.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Â鶹APP on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The drive will take place in the Fireside Lounge of the Randall Student Center on the Augusta campus.

To help ensure a smooth and efficient donation experience, donors are strongly encouraged to sign up for an appointment in advance. Scheduling ahead helps reduce wait times and allows the Red Cross to serve as many donors as possible.

Appointments can be made by visiting and entering UMaineAugusta, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes on the day of their appointment by completing RapidPass, which allows you to finish pre-donation reading and health history questions ahead of time. RapidPass is available at .

As a thank-you, individuals who donate blood may be eligible to receive a $20 e-gift card (merchant choice). Additional details are available at .

Giving blood is a simple way to support patients in need and make a meaningful impact in the community.

For more information, contact David Adams, Assistant Professor, Nursing Department, at david.t.adams@maine.edu.

The UMA community is celebrating Shannon Gauvin, director, program coordinator and associate professor of nursing, who has been named one of the Top 10 Exceptional Maine Nurses of 2025 by the American Nurses Association–Maine.

According to the Maine Nursing Action Coalition, Maine is projected to face a shortage of more than 2,800 registered nurses by 2030. Gauvin is confronting this challenge on two fronts: innovatively collaborating to increase highly qualified clinical nurse educators and increasing the capacity to educate new nurses.

To strengthen the teaching workforce, she and Dr. Erin Bellaire, in collaboration with MaineGeneral Medical Center developed an innovative model that engages bedside nurses as clinical educators. The strategy expands clinical placements for students, one of the biggest barriers in nursing education, while adding faculty capacity across the state. The model, now used by MaineGeneral, Mount Desert Island, Northern Light and MaineHealth, has become a scalable framework for workforce development in nursing education.

At the same time, Gauvin has guided significant growth in Â鶹APP nursing program, increasing enrollment from 91 students in 2019–20 to 271 in 2024–25. With the opening of the new Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development, capacity is expected to exceed 400 students within the next four years. The facility’s advanced simulation and clinical training spaces prepare graduates to meet Maine’s evolving healthcare needs.

Beyond UMA, Gauvin also leads community-focused efforts that connect education with local workforce development. Collaborating with Community Concepts, who are the recipients of the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities grant, Gauvin was an integral part of launching a healthcare career boot camp for Oxford County high school students, introducing rural youth to nursing and allied health pathways.

She has also implemented initiatives that enrich the learning environment and promote collaboration, including night-shift clinical placements, a communication and civility workshop and system-wide simulation training that standardizes best practices across the University of Maine System.

Her dedication and innovation have earned her multiple honors, including the Agnes E. Flaherty Award, the UMA Meritorious Achievement Award and the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

“This recognition reflects Shannon’s transformational impact on nursing education and her dedication to building Maine’s healthcare workforce,” said UMA President Jenifer Cushman. “Her leadership advances Â鶹APP mission to expand access to high-quality, workforce-focused education that strengthens communities across our state.”

Congratulations, Shannon, on this well-deserved honor and for your continued contributions to the future of nursing in Maine.

The Â鶹APP is celebrating its 60th anniversary; six decades of transforming lives and strengthening communities. Since 1965, UMA has opened doors for learners of every age and background, and today that mission is carried forward with new facilities, new programs and new connections that prepare students for the future while supporting Maine’s workforce and communities.

A capital center for Maine’s workforce

This fall, UMA opened the Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development. The 21,000-square-foot center, located in the Marketplace at Augusta directly across from Â鶹APP main campus, features advanced simulation labs for nursing, a 3,000-square-foot cybersecurity training facility and collaborative classrooms, giving students real-world training environments that mirror the workplace they will enter. The $7.15 million renovation of the former Purdue Global site was made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Sens. Collins, current chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King, at the request of the University of Maine System, along with a $480,000 gift from MaineGeneral Health and led by Lavallee Brensinger Architects and Consigli Construction Co., Inc. 

This new space is built to give students the skills and confidence to excel in some of Maine’s most in-demand careers. “The Capital Center represents UMA at its best, educating students with innovative tools and experiences that connect directly to careers,” said UMA President Jenifer Cushman. “It allows us to expand our programs, welcome more students, and strengthen Maine’s workforce in healthcare and cybersecurity.”

Maine is on track to face a shortage of nearly 3,000 nurses by 2030. To help meet that need, Â鶹APP expanded nursing labs accommodate educating up to 400 students each year. These state-of-the-art spaces give future nurses hands-on experience with everything from everyday care to advanced procedures, all in realistic hospital settings—so they’re fully prepared to step into real-world roles with skill and confidence.

Cybersecurity students are gaining equally valuable experience in their new classrooms and at the Maine Cyber Range, one of the most advanced training environments in New England. Here, they get to practice defending live systems against simulated threats — the very work they’ll do to protect Maine’s businesses, municipalities and health care systems.

Nursing student Chloe Wilson said the new labs feel “just like stepping into a real hospital.” Cybersecurity graduate student Sarah Cook-Wheeler added that the training “lets us practice the same kind of work we’ll be doing to protect Maine’s businesses and communities.”

Expanding student life in Hallowell

Growth in these programs is also creating opportunities in Hallowell. UMA is partnering with Mastway Development to add new student housing at Stevens Commons, opening fall 2027. With 60 beds and a full-service dining hall, more students can share in campus life and feel connected to each other and the community.

That means more students enjoying downtown, visiting local businesses, and becoming part of the daily rhythm of a town that has long welcomed UMA learners as neighbors and friends.

Honoring the past, building the future

As UMA celebrates six decades of opportunity and transformation, our commitment is as strong as ever: meeting students where they are, preparing them for meaningful careers and strengthening the communities they call home. From the Capital Center to Stevens Commons, UMA is proud to stand with Augusta, Hallowell and all of Maine as both a trusted neighbor and a catalyst for progress.

When Chloe Wilson walks into the Â鶹APP’s new Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development, it feels less like a classroom and more like the workplace she’s preparing to enter.

“Training in the new simulation labs feels like stepping into a real hospital,” said Wilson, a nursing student in the Class of 2026. “It gives me the confidence to know I’ll be ready to care for patients on day one.”

Her experience is echoed on the other side of the building, where graduate student Sarah Cook-Wheeler is sharpening her skills in Â鶹APP new cybersecurity lab. “The new cybersecurity lab lets us practice on the same kinds of systems we’ll be working with in the field,” she said. “It’s preparing me for a career where I know I’ll make a difference.”

Together, their stories capture the purpose of Â鶹APP newest investment — a 21,000-square-foot facility that opened this week with the support of Maine’s congressional delegation, state leaders, and community partners. The Capital Center combines cutting-edge nursing simulation labs, a 3,000-square-foot cybersecurity hub, and collaborative classrooms, giving students hands-on preparation for two of Maine’s most pressing workforce needs.

A ribbon cut with purpose

At the opening ceremony, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King joined UMA leaders, the University of Maine System, and MaineGeneral Health to celebrate what many described as a forward-looking investment.

“The Capital Center represents UMA at its best, educating students with innovative tools and experiences that connect directly to careers,” said UMA President Jenifer Cushman. “It allows us to expand our programs, welcome more students and strengthen Maine’s workforce in health care and cybersecurity.”

The Capital Center is a $7.15 million renovation of the former Purdue Global site, made possible through congressionally directed spending in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 secured by Sen. Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. King at the request of the University of Maine System (UMS). Additional support of $480,000 from MaineGeneral Health is helping UMA expand its nursing program to take full advantage of the new facility and prepare more nurses for Maine’s workforce.

For Collins, who helped secure the federal funding, the impact is clear. “Maine’s future depends on expanding our highly skilled workforce, especially in fields like health care and cybersecurity,” she said. “I was proud to secure federal funding for the UMA Capital Center, which will increase opportunities for students to gain the hands-on training they need to succeed in these critical roles.”

King echoed the sentiment, calling the center “a powerful example of what happens when we invest in innovation and work together to meet 21st century challenges.”

Building cybersecurity talent

For Â鶹APP cybersecurity program, the new lab marks a dramatic step forward. What was once a single classroom has become a modern training space equipped with the tools to mirror real-world systems and provide workshops for Maine businesses and municipalities.

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields in the country, and Maine needs skilled professionals to keep our businesses, municipalities and communities safe,” said UMA Professor Henry Felch. “This new lab gives our students the kind of training they will experience in the workforce and prepares them to lead in a field where the stakes are high.”

Cook-Wheeler sees the difference already. “It’s preparing me for a career where I know I’ll make a difference,” she said.

Meeting the nursing shortage head-on

On the health care side, Â鶹APP nursing program has grown from 91 students in 2019 to 271 in 2024, with capacity now expected to reach more than 400 within four years. That growth comes at a critical time: Maine is projected to face a shortage of more than 2,800 registered nurses by 2030.

“Every simulation and lab experience in this new space will ensure our students are practice-ready upon graduation,” said UMA Director of Nursing Shannon Gauvin. “With expanded capacity and the latest technology, we can educate more nurses who are confident, compassionate and ready to deliver excellent patient care to all of the communities we serve.”

Community partners see the impact too. “MaineGeneral is proud to partner with UMA on this project,” said Chief Nursing Officer at MaineGeneral Health Jennifer Riggs. “The Capital Center makes it possible for more students to access high-quality training, and our community will benefit from more well-prepared nurses entering the workforce.”

A future-focused campus

The ribbon cutting brought together leaders, partners, faculty and students for tours and demonstrations showcasing the new training opportunities. Classes begin next week.

To further support student growth, UMA is partnering with Mastway Development on a new residence hall in nearby Hallowell, set to open in fall 2027. The facility will add 60 beds and a dining hall, expanding Â鶹APP ability to offer a vibrant residential experience alongside its workforce training.

For students like Wilson and Cook-Wheeler, the Capital Center is already more than a building. It’s a place where their futures, and Maine’s, come into sharper focus.

You’ll have the opportunity to view our cutting-edge facilities that will better serve student and workforce needs, and learn more about Â鶹APP nursing and cybersecurity programs and their impact on the health and wellbeing of Maine’s people, communities and economy.

This project is made possible by Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King at the request of the University of Maine System, and the generosity of MaineGeneral Health.

This event is open to anyone who wants to attend (all students, faculty, staff, and the general public). For more information, contact Carolyn Anderson at carolyn.anderson@maine.edu.

On the final day of the Student Success Course, students proudly wore their blue scrubs for the first time and participated in a special induction ceremony marking their official entry into the nursing program.

Faculty members were present to celebrate this milestone, welcoming students into the profession and offering words of encouragement as they embark on their nursing education journey. Each student received their first UMA nursing patch, symbolizing their commitment to excellence as they prepare to represent UMA in their clinical experiences.

Students from across the state gathered in the Hall of Flags and attended various legislative committee meetings. Amanda Boulay, Assistant Executive Director of the Maine State Board of Nursing, spoke as well as Nurse Legislators Michele Meyer & Anne Graham.

Students were accompanied by UMA nursing faculty, Dr. Erin Bellaire & Dr. Kristie Harrison.

Two nursing faculty members recently attended the 25th anniversary of the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH), the world’s largest conference dedicated to healthcare simulation learning, research and scholarship. The event, held over four days in Orlando, FL, brought together healthcare professionals, educators and innovators from around the world to explore the evolving role of simulation in training the next generation of healthcare providers.

Supported by a Davis Education Foundation grant, Â鶹APP (UMA) Director and Associate Professor of Nursing Shannon Gauvin and Learning Resource Laboratory Manager and Nursing Lecturer Erin Voisine participated in more than a dozen educational sessions, gaining insights into how simulation is transforming patient care, clinical decision-making and healthcare education. Their participation underscores the university’s commitment to equipping students with hands-on, immersive learning experiences that enhance clinical preparedness — particularly in rural and underserved areas of Maine, where access to healthcare professionals is critical.

UMA Simulation Operations Manager Scott Cook attended both simulation education and operations sessions throughout the conference demonstrating his commitment to simulation education at UMA.

“Simulation training is revolutionizing healthcare education by allowing students to practice critical procedures in a controlled environment before stepping into real-world clinical settings,” said Gauvin. “For Maine, where many hospitals and clinics serve large rural populations with limited resources, this training ensures our graduates are ready to provide high-quality care from day one.”

Maine faces a growing need for skilled nurses and healthcare professionals. By implementing these cutting-edge simulation techniques, the university is enhancing its nursing program and preparing students to meet the state’s healthcare challenges head-on. Simulation-based education has been proven to improve patient outcomes, boost provider confidence and create a more adaptable and resilient healthcare workforce.

“By investing in simulation training, we’re not just improving education—we’re improving healthcare for Maine communities,” said Voisine.

The Â鶹APP (UMA) proudly announces Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Vickie Ireland has been selected to serve on the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Nursing: Scope & Standards, 5th Edition revision workgroup for the 2025-26 term.

The workgroup is responsible for reviewing and updating the ANA’s Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, a foundational document that defines the role, responsibilities, competencies and expectations of nurses across the profession. The revised fifth edition is scheduled for publication in June 2026.

“I am thrilled to see Dr. Ireland take on this national-level leadership role,” said Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Professional Studies Brenda McAleer. “Her expertise and insight will help shape the future of nursing practice, ensuring that standards continue to reflect the evolving needs of healthcare. UMA is proud to have her contributing to this important work.”

Ireland’s selection highlights her dedication to advancing nursing education and practice. Additionally, she recently earned the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credential through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, reinforcing her commitment to innovative teaching methods.

As a member of the ANA workgroup, she will contribute to shaping national nursing standards, ensuring they evolve to meet the demands of modern health care.