UMFK News Releases

Program to highlight Maine’s first recovery high school

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) Board of Visitors will host its next business breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, in the Nadeau Hall Conference Room on the UMFK campus.

The program will focus on the Upper St. John Valley Recovery High School, scheduled to open for the 2026–2027 school year, and will highlight Maine’s first recovery high school.

Designed to serve teens in grades 9–12 who are in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring mental health disorders, the school represents a historic and innovative advancement in both education and youth recovery support.

Uniquely based on the UMFK campus, the Upper St. John Valley Recovery High School will offer a first-of-its-kind school-week, in-residence model in the United States. The program will include eight residential students, along with services for an additional four to six day-only students.

A professional team of five staff members will guide students using a structured, goal-oriented model designed to help young people establish healthy, constructive habits that support their personal, mental, emotional, behavioral, and social development. The program will also ensure students continue progressing toward a high school diploma without prolonged interruption to their education.

Staff will focus on the following key priorities:

• Academic Advancement: Providing academic courses for high school credit, with opportunities for early college coursework through UMFK.
• Life-Health Support: Supporting multiple life-health domains, including social, emotional, mental, physical, and vocational health.
• Recovery & Wellness: Delivering skills training to help prevent future substance use and building a sober social network for every student.
• Family & Community: Promoting family involvement, offering family support services, and encouraging participation in pro-social activities.

Tickets for the breakfast are $15 and may be purchased by credit card online.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

For more information, contact Lisa Roy at 207-834-7504 or roylisa@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) Nursing Department hosted its annual Pediatric Health Fair at the UMFK Sports Center. More than two hundred second and third-graders from surrounding elementary schools attended the event with booths of varying health and wellness topics appropriate for children.

This year’s health fair was full of engaging booths from our junior nursing students and led by community business and/or organizations such as: Fish River Rural Health – Dental; AMHC; Northern Maine Medical Center; Acadia Federal Credit Union; Rivertown Community Arts Center; Fort Kent Fire & Police Department; Too Far North Fitness; and St. John Valley Technology School – Health Occupations.

As local second and third graders circulated around the different booths, they were able to learn about various topics ranging from dental health, sun safety, physical activity, and sleep hygiene.

“It was amazing to see the interaction between our UMFK students and the local elementary school students, as both have a lot to learn from each other. Learning to connect with the pediatric population takes a lot of knowledge and energy, and our UMFK students delivered,” said Stephanie Nadeau, UMFK Instructor of Nursing and Clinical Coordinator. “You could see the direct engagement as groups settled on the floor in circles, played Twister, filled backpacks, blew bubbles, and participated in countless games, all which benefited their health and well-being.”

There was even a surprise visit from Benny the Bengal.

“I would encourage any local entity to reach out to be a part of this annual event. Just a few hours of our time can make such an impact on our community,” said Nadeau.

To learn more about UMFK’s Nursing programs, visit the UMFK Nursing program webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) successfully hosted the fourth annual University of Maine System (UMS) Nursing Research Symposium on Friday, Oct. 24, bringing together nursing professionals, educators, and students to share innovations in research, education, and clinical practice. The event was held in the Nadeau Hall conference room, with virtual participation available via Zoom.

The symposium, themed “Nursing on the Frontlines of Change: Compassion, Adaptability, and Strength,” highlighted the resilience, adaptability, and leadership that define the nursing profession. Attendees engaged in keynote speakers, podium presentations, and poster presentations from experts across the UMS.

Keynote speakers Erin Soucy Ph.D., RN, UMFK associate provost for academic affairs and dean of Nursing, Allied Health and Behavioral Science and Dr. Shannon Gauvin, DHA, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, University of Maine at Augusta director, program coordinator, and associate professor of Nursing opened the symposium with a session on Supporting Educator’s Learning to Enhance Teaching Effectiveness in Simulation Education. Presentations throughout the day addressed topics including higher nursing education and workforce development, clinical preparation and transition to practice for nurse practitioners, cultural competence and health equity in nursing care, innovative simulation and immersive virtual reality learning experiences, and the integration of artificial intelligence in nursing education.

The symposium provided attendees the opportunity to identify strategies to sustain healthy environments for nurses, students, and faculty, engage with colleagues in advancing nursing education and practice, and synthesize new knowledge to improve patient care and professional practice.

“This year’s symposium was an inspiring gathering of nursing professionals and students across Maine,” said Maisie Plourde, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, UMFK associate professor of Nursing and a member of the symposium organizing committee. “The presentations, discussions, and poster sessions fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration that will continue to influence nursing education and practice statewide.”

This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Connecticut Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Twelve nursing students and two nurse leaders were inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Omicron Xi at Large Chapter at a recent ceremony held at the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) in Nadeau Hall conference room on Oct. 25.

Shannon Gauvin, president of the Omicron Xi at Large Chapter, offered a welcome.

Erin Soucy, Ph.D., RN, UMFK associate provost for academic affairs and dean of Nursing, Allied Health and Behavioral Science, offered congratulatory remarks to the inductees.

The following were inducted into Sigma Theta Tau: Sean Cook and Jessica Soucy (Husson University); Ian Beaulieu, Cami Juskiewicz, and Olivia Pelkey (University of Maine); Chloe Wilson and Colby Volkernick (University of Maine at Augusta); Kaille Hartford, Kacey Hammond, Stephanie Nadeau, Ana Panameno, and Sadie Pelletier (UMFK) and Prinisel Gonato and Maisie Plourde (Nurse Leaders).

Sigma Theta Tau mission is developing nurse leaders to improve healthcare everywhere.

Shannon Gauvin concluded the ceremony with closing remarks.

Nursing programs of Husson University; UMFK; the University of Augusta; and the University of Maine are members of the Omicron Xi at Large Chapter of Sigma.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) has launched a two-week campaign, “UMFK Cares: Double the Help for Jamaica,” to support humanitarian relief efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

In partnership with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), UMFK is encouraging students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater Saint John Valley communities to come together and make a difference. Every dollar donated to AFJ’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund will be matched 1:1, up to $3 million, effectively doubling the impact of each gift.

“Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across Jamaica and beyond, and many families are struggling to rebuild their lives,” said Michael Elliott, executive director for advancement and alumni relations.  “At UMFK, we believe in standing together when others are in need. This initiative embodies the UMFK spirit – rooted in community, guided by compassion, and inspired by our global connections.”

This initiative is especially meaningful for UMFK, which is home to several students from Jamaica who have family and friends directly impacted by the storm. The campaign provides an opportunity for the UMFK community to come together in solidarity with those affected.

Funds raised through the campaign will support AFJ’s on-the-ground relief efforts, including the distribution of food, clean water, medical supplies, and rebuilding assistance in the hardest-hit regions of Jamaica.

The campaign will run from Nov. 4 through Nov. 18, 2025, and the entire community is invited to participate. Donations can be made online or in person at the Enrollment and Advancement Center (EAC).

Checks should be made payable to the University of Maine at Fort Kent, with “UMFK Cares – Jamaica Relief” in the memo line. Cash donations are also accepted at the EAC. All contributions are secure and tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For updates, visit the UMFK Cares webpage.

About the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)

The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. (AFJ) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican nonprofit entities in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic development. Through partnerships and donor support, AFJ provides funding and resources to improve the lives of people across Jamaica, particularly during times of crisis.

About the University of Maine at Fort Kent

Located on Maine’s northernmost border, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a career-focused campus offering relevant, experiential academic programs and personalized support. UMFK’s student body thrives in a caring, close-knit community surrounded by the natural beauty of the St. John Valley.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at the university’s Veterans Square. The ceremony is open to the public.

The event will include a welcome from Stacy Martin, UMFK’s student life coordinator; remarks from UMFK President Deb Hedeen; and the singing of the national anthem by Bri Bois, a UMFK conservation law student.

“UMFK’s Veterans Day Ceremony is a unique event that brings together people of all ages in our community to honor those who have served for our daily freedom. I am the daughter of retired Master Sergeant James Wiley (USAF), so this event is close to my heart and a privilege to help organize,” said Stacy Martin.

Richard Dominikoski, commander of American Legion Post 133 in Fort Kent, will call the color guard to order.

Lloyd H. Woods, national executive committeeman of the American Legion Department of Maine, will serve as the keynote speaker.

A U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1965 to 1969, Woods went on to a 36-year federal career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, overseeing several northern Maine ports of entry. A dedicated Legionnaire for more than 50 years, he has held numerous leadership roles, including national vice commander and his current position as vice chairman of the National Committee on Resolutions.

The ceremony will also include the presentation of the colors, a moment of silence, and taps. President Hedeen will give closing remarks.

Following the ceremony, veterans are invited to a free lunch in UMFK’s Nowland Hall dining room. Each veteran may bring one guest for $5. All other attendees may purchase lunch for $5.

A POW/MIA table will be set in the dining hall room to honor service members who are missing, imprisoned, or have fallen.

For more information, contact Stacy Martin at stacy.martin@maine.edu or 207-834-7540.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is beginning the planning process for its 150th anniversary celebration and is seeking community input.

The public is invited to attend a special one-hour session on Thursday, Nov. 13, where UMFK will share some of the university’s fascinating history. The sessions will be held in the Nadeau Hall conference room at 10 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. The sessions are also an opportunity for community members to share their stories, ideas, and suggestions for the celebration.

This is a great opportunity to connect, reflect, and help shape how we honor UMFK’s 150 years of our shared legacy. We encourage everyone to add their voice to the conversation.

For more information, please contact Alexis Violette at alexis.m.violette@maine.edu or by phone at (207) 834-7835.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its annual fall open house for prospective college-bound students on Friday, November 7, to give them a chance to experience campus life.

“Our fall open house is one of the best ways for students to truly experience the spirit of UMFK,” said Heidi Carter, executive director of marketing and enrollment management. “From meeting our incredible faculty and students to exploring our beautiful northern Maine campus, visitors will get a real sense of the supportive community and hands-on learning that define UMFK.”

Registration and a student services fair will be held from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. at the Bengal’s Lair in Cyr Hall. A light breakfast and refreshments will be served. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the student services that UMFK has to offer. Representatives from various offices will be available to answer questions on topics ranging from residential life, career planning and placement to financial aid.

At 9:15 a.m. in the Blake Library, the morning session will begin with a welcome from admissions staff, followed by a panel of current students who will discuss campus life.

Prospective students will learn more about academic programs from faculty in classrooms across campus from 10 to 11 a.m. The talented faculty, who foster academic excellence in the learning environment, will demonstrate hands-on learning aspects of their programs. Students and families will experience how learning comes alive at UMFK.

A complimentary lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Nowland Hall dining room. UMFK student admissions ambassadors will lead rotating campus tours during this time.

At 12:30, a question-and-answer session will be held in the Blake Library, where raffle prizes will be awarded.

Registration is available online at the UMFK Open House webpage.

Please RSVP by Nov 6. For more information, contact the UMFK Admissions office at 207-834-7600 or umfklife@maine.edu.