UMFK News Releases

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s (UMFK) Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), affirming the program’s commitment to academic excellence, quality nursing education, and preparing advanced practice nurses to meet the evolving needs of healthcare.

The CCNE Board of Commissioners granted accreditation to UMFK’s DNP program for five years, extending through June 30, 2031. The accreditation action is effective retroactively to Oct. 20, 2025, the first day of the program’s recent CCNE on-site evaluation. The next on-site evaluation is scheduled for fall 2030.

UMFK’s DNP program welcomed its first cohort of students in the fall of 2024 and is the first doctoral program offered by the University. Delivered 100 percent online, the program includes 1,000 required clinical hours and prepares practicing nurses to develop advanced clinical, leadership, and decision-making skills needed to lead healthcare teams, implement evidence-based practice, improve patient outcomes, and influence healthcare policy. Students may choose from three tracks. Nurse Practitioners may pursue the Nursing Clinical track. Nurse Practitioners and nurses with a graduate degree in nursing, from any specialty, may pursue the Nursing Administration or Nursing Education track. The DNP is a terminal degree in the nursing profession and represents the highest level of clinical nursing education.

UMFK’s post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certificate program also received CCNE accreditation for five years.

During its review, the CCNE Board determined that both programs substantially complied with all four CCNE accreditation standards, which evaluate areas including program quality, institutional commitment, curriculum and teaching practices, and student achievement.

“Earning accreditation from CCNE is a significant milestone for our Doctorate of Nursing Practice and postgraduate APRN certificate programs,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our nursing faculty and their commitment to providing high-quality education that prepares advanced practice nurses to serve their communities and make a meaningful impact on healthcare.”

UMFK’s DNP program builds upon the University’s longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education and provides nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes, lead health care initiatives, and address complex health care challenges.

“This accreditation validates the quality of our curriculum, our faculty expertise, and the exceptional learning experience we provide for our students,” said UMFK Dean of Nursing Erin Soucy. “Our DNP and postgraduate APRN certificate programs are designed to support nurses who want to advance their careers while contributing to improved health outcomes across Maine and beyond.”

The CCNE accreditation process includes a comprehensive evaluation of nursing programs against nationally recognized standards. Accreditation provides assurance to students, employers, and the public that a program meets established expectations for educational quality and effectiveness.

UMFK offers flexible nursing pathways designed to meet the needs of working professionals, including online options that allow students to continue their careers while pursuing advanced degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing and the DNP.

For more information about UMFK’s nursing programs, visit the UMFK website.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent celebrated the next generation of healthcare professionals during the 41st annual nurse pinning ceremony held Friday, May 8, at the UMFK Sports Center. The event, themed “The Power of Nurses,” honored 21 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students who took part in the traditional pinning rite.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone in a nurse’s career, symbolizing the dedication, honor, and compassion required to serve patients and the community.

The following Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students received their nursing pins: Anita G. Abrokwah (Huntington Station, NY); Esther I. Agboola (Albilene, Texas); Jenna A. Badeau (Fayette, Maine); Mallory D. Corriveau (Frenchville); Lindsey J. Desroches (Mexico, Maine); Brandice E. Dominguez (Fort Kent); Mikala A. Ferland (Fairfield, Maine); Hailee R. Hartford (Cambridge, Maine); Kayla Iwata (Hilo, Hawaii); Olivia C. Jalbert (Presque Isle); Alice L. Kerber (Freeport, Maine); Folakemi E. Lotun (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada); Deborah C. Moulton (South Portland, Maine); Ana Panameno (Brooklyn, NY); Eva M. Patrick (Greenville, Maine): Danielle M. Pelletier (Fort Kent); Sadie F. Pelletier (Fort Kent);  Breanna L. Smith (Milbridge, Maine);  Samantha R. Soucie (Palm City, Fla); Wendy S. Whyte (Bangor, Maine); and Erin M. Wood (Vassalboro, Maine).

Faculty, staff, students, family members, and friends gathered to honor the recipients. UMFK President Deb Hedeen welcomed attendees and extended congratulations to the nursing class.

“The nursing pin you receive this afternoon symbolizes far more than completion of a program,” Erin C. Soucy, dean of nursing. Historically, the pin represents service, honor, trust, and dedication to the care of others. When you receive your pin, you join generations of nurses who have answered the call to serve with courage, integrity, and compassion.”

The guest speaker for the pinning ceremony was Susan Dubay, a lifelong learner and educator. Dubay began her career working with and teaching children before specializing in special education. She has served UMFK in various roles, including as an adjunct faculty member and as a college success specialist for the Jobs for Maine Graduates program. She currently serves as UMFK’s director of student support services.

“You don’t have to overcome everything all at once. You just have to keep going, Dubay told the graduates. “The strength you built during hard moments – the doubt, the fear, the exhaustion – is the same strength that will carry you forward when it matters most.”

To begin the ceremony, Assistant Professor of Nursing Maisie Plourde thanked the healthcare institutions that supported the graduates during their clinical courses and in-state preceptorships. These included Cary Medical Center; Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center; Forest Hill Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Center; Houlton Regional Hospital; MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital; MaineHealth Stephens Hospital; Maine Medical Center; Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital; Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center; and Northern Maine Medical Center.

Out-of-state preceptorships occurred at Elliot Hospital in New Hampshire; Olathe Medical Center in Kansas; Parkview Regional Medical Center in Indiana; and Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire.

Because the UMFK Nursing Division relies so heavily on regional hospitals in the region, NMMC, Cary Medical Center, and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital were presented with a plaque, which will be displayed on the wall of their institution. Plourde thanked all practicing nurses who make a difference in our students’ lives.

Nicole Theriault, UMFK clinical assistant professor, presented the Student Nurse Citizenship Award to Danielle Pelletier.

“Sometimes, the greatest heroes among us are the quietest. They face adversity with calm, humble strength, rarely seeking attention or asking for recognition,” Soucy said. “Whether volunteering or balancing the heavy weight of work, school, and personal tragedy, they serve others first. One of our graduates truly exemplifies this spirit.”

The Division of Nursing also honors an alumnus annually. The Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award is bestowed upon a graduate who displays exceptional accomplishment in the profession and a commitment to community through volunteerism and humanitarian efforts. Kelley McIntyre was presented with the 2026 Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award. She received the honor at a ceremony the prior evening held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus.

Additionally, the division recognizes community members who demonstrate a commitment to healthcare and education. This year, Jason Parent was honored with the Community Leader Award, which was also presented the evening before on the UMPI campus.

This year’s ceremony included a tribute to RN-to-BSN student Heather Browning, who died following a motor vehicle accident. A dedicated nurse for Maine’s veterans, an avid gardener, and a passionate reader, Browning would have graduated this year. The university recognized her at commencement on Saturday, May 9, with a posthumous degree. Soucy led the audience in a moment of silence to honor her memory.

The address to the senior class was delivered by Hailee Hartford, who welcomed the nursing class of 2026 during the pinning ceremony, celebrating their determination and perseverance.

Hartford emphasized that nursing education extends beyond exams and procedures, highlighting the personal growth required to provide presence and attention to patients in critical moments.

As the graduates received their pins, Hartford reminded them that nursing is a calling that demands strength and heart.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional candle lighting and the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge.

Principal Lecturer Sandy Pelletier, MSN, RN, recognized Denise Potvin, who is retiring from the UMFK nursing program after more than 19 years of service. An alumna of the program, Potvin served the university as a professional advisor, clinical coordinator, lab manager, and nurse educator.

The UMFK Nursing Division faculty and staff are Erin C. Soucy, Rachel E. Albert, Kortney Collins, Shannon Curran, Christine Desjardins, Kasey Hammond, Larry Nadeau, Stephanie Nadeau, Sandy Pelletier, Fran Picard, Maisie Plourde, Denise Potvin, James Schaefer, Tanya Sleeper, Nicole Theriault, and Stacy Thibodeau.

To learn more about the Nursing program at UMFK, visit the nursing program webpage.

Six University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) nursing students were honored May 7 at the annual UMFK Nurse Pinning Ceremony, held on the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) campus.

The collaborative program allows students to begin their studies at UMPI and, after two years, transition into UMFK’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited nursing program. Students complete the program without relocating to the Fort Kent campus, as required nursing courses are taught by UMFK faculty on the Presque Isle campus. The pinning ceremony signifies the successful completion of their nursing education.

The following Bachelor of Science in Nursing students received their nursing pins: Krista Coffin of Presque Isle; Danielle Cyr of Caribou; Trena Hafke of Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Canada; Courtney Kane of Presque Isle; Kylie LaPlante of Van Buren; and Gabby Morang of Edmunds Township.

Janelle Brown, president of the UMPI Student Nurses Organization (SNO), opened the program.

Faculty, staff, students, family, and friends gathered to honor the recipients. UMPI President Ray Rice welcomed attendees, and UMFK President Deb Hedeen extended congratulations to the graduates.

The guest speaker for the pinning ceremony was Kelley McIntyre.

To begin the ceremony, James Schaefer, a BSN, RN and lecturer of nursing at UMFK, thanked the in-state and out-of-state institutions for supporting the graduates during their clinical courses, as well as offering them a setting in which to complete their preceptorships.

During the event, the Division of Nursing presented its annual Community Leader Award to Jason Parent, the executive director and chief executive officer of Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties.  Since joining the Aroostook County Action Program in 2015, the agency has expanded its services to vulnerable populations through initiatives like a Mobile Service Unit to address transportation barriers, local partnerships for childcare services, and funding to preserve adult day services.

Parent is active in his community, serving on the boards of several organizations at the local, state, and national level. As part of his volunteerism efforts, he is recognized across the County for his dedication and commitment to numerous organizations, whether hosting telethons, emceeing local events, or lending his time and expertise to those in need. Parent leads by example and lives the mission of Community Action to provide services that support, empower, and improve lives.

Stacy Thibodeau, a UMFK faculty member who teaches on the UMPI campus, presented six nursing students with special awards.

Dr. Jean Watson Caring Science Award was awarded to Courtney Kane. “Krista leads with a strength that is felt the moment you walk into a room,” Thibodeau said. “She creates spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, where differences are honored, and where compassion leads the way.”

Mary Eliza Mahoney Diversity & Inclusion Award was awarded to Krista Coffin. “Krista leads with a strength that is felt the moment you walk into a room,” Thibodeau said. “She creates spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, where differences are honored, and where compassion leads the way.”

Virginia Henderson Patient Advocacy Award was awarded to Danielle Cyr.  “Danielle embodies the true spirit of advocacy in nursing,” Thibodeau said. “She has an intuitive ability to recognize when someone needs a voice, and steps forward with confidence, compassion, and purpose.”

Walt Whitman Compassion in Service Award was presented to Patrice Gatete. “Patrice, you embody quiet strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service,” Thibodeau said. “She shows up with compassion and steadiness, even in the most challenging moments.”

Queen Emma of Hawaii Aloha Spirit in Nursing Award was awarded to Kylie LaPlante. “Kylie brings something truly special into nursing — the spirit of aloha,” Thibodeau said. “The way she shows up for others reflects a beautiful balance of strength, kindness, and purpose.”

Dorothea Dix Advocacy & Reform Award was presented to Gabby Morang. “Gabby has a natural instinct to see beyond what is in front of her, to recognize gaps, question systems, and speak up for those whose voices are too often overlooked,” Thibodeau said.

Susan Picott Cultural Compassion & Community Impact Award was awarded to Trena Hafke.  “Trena brings a profound respect for culture, community, and the unique story each patient carries,” Thibodeau said. “You remind us that true healing begins when people feel seen, respected, and understood.”

The Division of Nursing also honored McIntyre with the 2026 Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award. The award recognizes a graduate of the UMFK BSN program who displays outstanding professional accomplishment and a commitment to community volunteerism.

McIntyre, who recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from UMPI, previously worked as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Cary Medical Center. She has also served as the director of nursing at High View Rehab and Nursing Center in Madawaska and currently serves as the director of nursing at Lakewood Healthcare Center in Waterville.

“Kelley, your journey is inspiring, your impact is undeniable, and your future is incredibly bright,” Thibodeau said.

Dr. Jean Watson sent a few thoughts for new graduates through Zoom. “This is a special time for you to pay attention to your timeless values, your love and concern for patients and yourself, and it is a time to realize that caring is the essence of nursing in terms of your daily life and your practices,” Watson said.

Closing remarks were delivered by Brandy Keaton, secretary of the UMPI SNO.

To learn more about the Nursing program at UMFK, visit the nursing program webpage.