UMFK News Releases

The Admissions Office at the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) will host Bengal Bound Day on Friday, March 27, offering accepted and prospective students a firsthand look at campus life and academic opportunities.

The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in the Nadeau Hall conference room with light refreshments and a warm UMFK welcome. This is your chance to chat one-on-one with current students, faculty, and our dedicated staff. Whether you have questions about financial aid, want to hear the “real story” from a Resident Assistant (RA), or want to meet our coaches and student club leaders, we’ll have everyone in one place ready to help you envision your life on campus.

The highlight of the event will feature hands-on learning experiences for students by joining faculty in their classrooms and lab spaces to get a feel for the programs they are interested in.

The student advising and services session will be held at the Blake Library. This is a comprehensive opportunity to get questions answered, secure your classes, and connect with the support services that will fuel your success. During this interactive event, students will meet one-on-one with faculty and advisors to navigate degree requirements and finalize their fall 2026 class schedules. Beyond academic planning, families can explore campus life through resource tables featuring Financial Aid, Housing, and Athletics, while students participate in the reflective “Dear Future Me” activity to set their personal goals.

Ever wonder what college life is really like? Here’s your chance to grill the experts. Join our faculty panel for an honest conversation about academics, expectations, and everything in between in Powell Hall, room 123.

“Events like Bengal Bound Day help students move from simply being admitted to truly seeing themselves as part of the UMFK community,” said Jeremy Bouford, UMFK director of admissions. “When they meet faculty, connect with current students, and explore the programs they’re excited about, it becomes easier to picture the next chapter of their story at UMFK.”

Attendees will enjoy lunch in the Nowland Hall dining room. This will be followed by a session where attendees can receive same-day admissions decisions, confirm their attendance, and have their deposit waived. At that time, they can also register for classes or schedule a future time to do so. Students should come prepared with their supporting documentation.

Learn more about the event at the Bengal Bound page.

To register, contact the UMFK Admissions Office at 207-834-7600, toll-free at 1-888-879-8635, or email umfklife@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) has recently announced a new online Master of Science in Homeland Security designed to prepare new graduates and professionals to lead in an increasingly complex security environment shaped by cyber threats, natural disasters and public health emergencies.

The fully online graduate program builds on UMFK’s long-standing strengths in criminal justice and public safety while providing a flexible pathway for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in law enforcement, emergency management, intelligence, military service and cybersecurity.

Students will develop a broad understanding of the homeland security landscape, including intelligence analysis, emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity policy and counterterrorism. The curriculum emphasizes applied research, policy analysis and strategic problem-solving, preparing graduates to assess risks, analyze emerging threats and develop informed solutions across public, private and nonprofit sectors.

“Through the leadership of our faculty in building on UMFK’s long-standing strengths in criminal justice and public safety, we have developed a graduate program that expands access to advanced education while preparing professionals to lead in complex security environments,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “This program reflects UMFK’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education while preparing leaders who can strengthen public safety and serve their communities.”

Through collaboration with the University of Maine at Augusta for three courses, students will also gain graduate-level experience in cybersecurity, cyber law and incident response—skills that are increasingly essential for today’s homeland security professionals.

A culminating capstone project allows students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate professional competencies through real-world security challenges.

“Our goal is to give students the tools to think strategically about complex threats and to respond effectively in high-pressure situations,” said Matthew Curran, criminal justice lecturer and faculty lead for the program. “Whether they are working in law enforcement, emergency management, or intelligence, graduates will be better prepared to analyze risk, coordinate across agencies and protect the communities they serve.”

Designed for schedule flexibility, the program is delivered fully online through asynchronous courses offered in both seven-week and fifteen-week formats. Students may complete the degree in as few as 12 months, depending on their course schedule.

Graduates of the program may pursue careers with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration, as well as state and local public safety agencies and private-sector security and risk management organizations.

The UMFK Admissions office is now accepting applications for Fall 2026 enrollment. Learn more and apply at the Online MS in Homeland Security page.

Bengal Bound Day – March 27, 2026. Save the Date!

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) will host a special showing of the documentary Women & The Wind on Friday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Nadeau Hall.

Admission for community members is $10 per person. The event is free for UMFK students. All attendees will receive complimentary popcorn and a beverage.

This film follows three women as they sail 3,000 miles across the North Atlantic on a 50-year-old wooden boat named Mara Noka to track how plastic waste travels from our shores to the deep ocean.

The voyage began in North Carolina after a year of rebuilding the vintage vessel and a month of waiting for the right winds. While skipper Kiana was a veteran of solo ocean passages, her crewmates Lærke and Alizé began the journey with little to no sailing experience. What started as a mission to document the environmental impact of land-based waste soon evolved into a raw test of human endurance and spiritual connection.

Women & The Wind is more than a sailing film; it is a call to recognize the ocean as the life-force of our planet. By recording every piece of floating debris encountered daily, the crew documented the grim reality of the North Atlantic gyre, a large system of circulating ocean currents where plastic remains for years, breaking down into microplastics. The project was created to turn these environmental facts into a personal story that inspires people to protect our waters.

Proceeds will benefit the International Student Organization to provide bedding, snacks, and basic toiletries for new incoming international students living in the residential halls on campus.

For information on the event, please contact Stacy Martin, UMFK student life coordinator, at stacy.martin@maine.edu.

Editor’s Note: This film is not rated and includes scenes containing nudity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Harmony Hoyt, a sixth-grade student at Madawaska Middle/High School, took home the top prize at the Aroostook County Spelling Bee held Thursday, Feb. 12, at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

Hoyt secured her victory by correctly spelling the word “baptismal.” She will now advance to the Maine State Spelling Bee, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at Bowdoin College in Brunswick.

The regional competition featured 16 students from across the county. Each participant earned their spot by placing as a winner or runner-up in preliminary rounds at their respective schools. Participating schools included:

• Ashland District School
• Easton Junior/Senior High School
• Fort Kent Elementary and Valley Rivers Middle School
• Greater Houlton Christian Academy
• Madawaska Elementary and Madawaska Middle High School
• Mill Pond School and Hodgdon Middle High School
• M.S.A.D. 33
• Woodland Consolidated School

Maine School Administrative District 27 sponsored the event. The competition was coordinated by Travis Lynn, a seventh-grade English teacher at Valley Rivers Middle School.

The event was free and open to the public, drawing supporters from across Northern Maine to cheer on the region’s top spellers.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management degree program, designed to prepare students for careers protecting and sustaining wildlife and habitats.

Built on UMFK’s long-standing strengths in natural sciences, the new program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the Northeast. Students will gain field-based experience in wildlife ecology, habitat management and sustainable resource management practices while studying in northern Maine’s forests, rivers and wildlife habitats.

“The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management reflects both our mission and our geography,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “Our location provides an extraordinary living laboratory, and this program allows students to apply science in real-world settings while preparing for meaningful careers in wildlife management and ecology.”

The program complements UMFK’s existing offerings in Biology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Criminal Justice and Conservation Law Enforcement, creating interdisciplinary opportunities for students to tailor their education to specific career goals. Courses are taught by credentialed faculty with field and professional expertise in natural sciences, integrating classroom learning with hands-on applied fieldwork.

“Our goal is to ensure students graduate with both strong scientific knowledge and meaningful field experience,” said Stephanie Landry, assistant professor of Forestry and lead faculty member for the program. “From conducting field research to analyzing habitat conditions, students will engage directly with the ecosystems they are studying. That hands-on approach builds confidence and prepares them to step into professional roles immediately after graduation.”

Designed for students driven to promote sustainable wildlife and natural resource management, the curriculum blends science, sustainability and practical experience. Graduates will be prepared for roles in wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation science and related fields at the local, state and federal levels. The university’s proximity to the North Maine Woods and campus-adjacent Fish River makes it an ideal location for students to learn.

Graduates of the program will meet the academic requirements for Associate Wildlife Biologist® certification through The Wildlife Society, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.

Potential employers for graduates include state wildlife and natural resource agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, local and regional land trusts and environmental monitoring organizations.

The UMFK Admissions office is now accepting applications for the fall 2026 semester. To learn more about the program, visit the Wildlife Management webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) is pleased to announce its Fall 2025 Dean’s List, recognizing the academic excellence of both full-time and part-time students.

“Congratulations to the students who have earned a place on the UMFK Dean’s List and Academic Recognition List,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “The Dean’s List honors our full-time students, while the Academic Recognition List celebrates the achievements of our part-time learners. Their commitment, perseverance, and hard work are inspiring. We are proud to recognize their success and grateful to have them as valued members of the UMFK community.”

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is the northernmost campus in the University of Maine System and serves as a regional hub for Acadian and Franco-American culture. UMFK offers a supportive, close-knit campus environment.

UMFK provides multiple academic pathways leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. For a complete list of programs and additional information, visit the UMFK website.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) recently welcomed 20 students from across the University of Maine System (UMS) for a hands-on winter outdoor recreation course that prepared them for in-demand careers in Maine tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation.

Students representing six UMS universities, including UMFK, the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Southern Maine participated in “BYS 340: Special Topics in Business: Winter Outdoor Recreation.”

The course is part of the new 18-credit Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) minor offered at every UMS university, which emphasizes experiential learning and real-world connections within Maine’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries. The innovative multi-university collaboration is made possible thanks to the System’s unique unified accreditation.

“The THOR minor offers students a broader understanding of the state of Maine in the context of tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation through hands-on learning and connections with workforce leaders,” said Emily Zider, program manager of the UMS THOR Institute.

UMFK Associate Professor of Business Dr. Michael Curran designed the course with several goals in mind. Prior to arriving on campus, students completed a series of online learning modules designed to build foundational knowledge and prepare them for the immersive, on-site experience at UMFK. Once on campus, students engaged in a wide range of winter outdoor recreation activities, including cross-country skiing, biathlon shooting, ice fishing, dog sledding, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. These experiences were coordinated by UMFK’s Experiential Learning & Recreation Manager Shannon Lugdon. Due to strong student interest, the course reached maximum capacity.

“At UMFK, we pride ourselves in providing students with practical experiences to enhance their learning,” said Dr. Curran. “When designing the THOR course, I wanted to build a strong business foundation in management, marketing, and entrepreneurship through online learning modules, but I also wanted to give students the opportunity to participate in their learning. Combining winter outdoor experiences with direct conversations with registered Maine Guides, winter sport managers, and sporting camp owners allowed us to deliver that curriculum in a truly meaningful and unique way.”

By connecting with business leaders throughout the St. John Valley, students gained insight into the opportunities and challenges facing winter recreation and tourism businesses in Maine. These conversations provided valuable perspective on entrepreneurship, workforce needs, sustainability, and the economic impact of outdoor recreation in rural communities.

“Each event gave me the opportunity to experience how both sides of the industry work,” said Sarah Craig, a UMFK student who participated in the course. “I was able to have fun and participate in snowshoeing, skiing, and dog sledding, and I was also able to see what it was like to put these events together — all the time, energy, and money it takes to make them run smoothly.”

The course’s design is closely tied to UMFK’s strengths. The University’s location, climate, roles, and partnerships make it an ideal setting for immersive outdoor education. UMFK offers other courses that contribute to the THOR minor, including “Wilderness First Aid” and “Water Recreation and Stewardship.”

For more information on UMFK, visit the UMFK website.

For more information on THOR Institute, visit the THOR Institute website.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), in collaboration with the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, will host its annual Indoor Biathlon Competition on Sunday, February 8, at the UMFK Sports Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The competition is open to participants ages 12 and older. No experience necessary, and the event is open to all ability levels.  While a traditional biathlon combines Nordic skiing and shooting, the indoor version consists of running and laser rifle shooting.

The event is designed to help build awareness of the sport of biathlon and its impact on the Fort Kent community.

Practice begins at 12:30 p.m., and the competition starts at 1 p.m.  Participants are required to bring indoor sneakers.

Prizes will be awarded.

Those interested can register online.

For more information, please contact Shannon Lugdon at 207-834-7665.

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.