UMFK News Releases

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is proud to announce a historic milestone: the graduation of its inaugural Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) class at the university’s 143rd Commencement Exercises this May. This achievement marks the successful culmination of UMFK’s first standalone graduate-level nursing program, launched to address the growing need for advanced practice nurses in Maine and beyond.

The MSN program, introduced in 2022, offers two specialized tracks—Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Designed with flexibility in mind, the program is delivered entirely online through a 7-week course structure, allowing working nurses to balance their complex responsibilities while advancing their education.

“This is a truly momentous occasion to celebrate,” said UMFK President Dr. Deb Hedeen. “The graduation of our first MSN class reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our students and the vision of our faculty, but also our university’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Maine and beyond.”

The first MSN cohort comprises of dedicated professionals who have completed rigorous coursework and clinical training, equipping them to provide high-quality, specialized care in various healthcare settings. Their graduation not only signifies personal achievement but also represents a significant contribution to the healthcare workforce, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“This first graduating class from UMFK’s Master of Science in Nursing program represents the heart of what we strive for in nursing education—integrity, excellence, and compassion,” said UMFK Dean of Nursing and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Erin C. Soucy, RN. “These graduates entered our program during a time of great change in healthcare, and they’ve emerged as leaders ready to transform the profession. Their success is a testament not only to their commitment but also to the faculty who guided them and the vision that brought this program to life. We could not be more proud.”

UMFK’s Commencement ceremony will take place on May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the UMFK Sports Center. This event will honor the graduates’ hard work and dedication, celebrating their readiness to take on advanced roles in the nursing profession.

For more information about UMFK’s Nursing programs, visit the UMFK Nursing Program webpage.

Committed to offering programs that align with students’ goals and career aspirations, the University of Maine at Fort Kent has recently renamed its Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science program to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The program offers the same exemplary education that UMFK is known for. Students interested in studying human behavior, mental health, and social dynamics often search for “psychology degrees” when exploring colleges, and the name change will allow UMFK’s program to be more discoverable in online web searches.

Although Behavioral Science graduates discover that their degree leads to many pathways to the professions they desire, many college-seeking students shared that the degree name “Behavioral Science” didn’t clearly reflect what they were looking for in a college credential. To support this discovery, the mentalfloss.com article, The 50 Most Popular College Majors, According to Web Searches by CaLea Johnson, revealed which college degrees were most searched for in 2024. Psychology topped the list at number one. This “data set [was compiled] using Google’s Keyword Planner, a free resource that shows how many searches keywords get per month” (Johnson, 2024).

By renaming the program to Psychology, UMFK ensures that students immediately recognize the program as a strong foundation for the careers they want to pursue. The curriculum remains grounded in hands-on experiences, offering students opportunities for job shadowing, service-learning projects, and internships. Coupled with learning from faculty who are practitioners in the field, these experiences help students build real-world skills for meaningful careers or advanced studies in psychology-related fields.

“The program name has been revised to Psychology to more accurately align with our academic focus,” said Dr. Shawn Graham, UMFK Associate Professor of Counseling, Behavioral Science Unit Chair, and Faculty Assembly Chair. “This adjustment underscores our commitment to delivering a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based theory, fostering critical thinking, and promoting the practical application of skills to prepare students for professional careers and advanced study in graduate programs.”

In addition to the name change, UMFK has also expanded its Psychology portfolio to now offer a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. This was driven by the increasing number of students who are looking for flexibility to accommodate their busy lives, often balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. The online option ensures that students can access the same high-quality education as those on campus, with courses designed to be engaging and applicable to real-world careers.

With both on-campus and online options, students can now choose the path that works best for them, making it easier to earn a Psychology degree no matter where they are. In addition to preparing students for advanced studies in Clinical Counseling and Psychology, graduates are prepared for jobs such as substance abuse counselors, adult and child case managers, and social work.

By listening to students and evolving to meet their needs, UMFK continues to offer programs that help students succeed—both in the classroom and beyond. To learn more about UMFK’s Psychology program, visit the UMFK Psychology program webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a rural, public university committed to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. It is free to apply. For entry into the fall 2025 term, the UMFK Admissions Office recommends applications be submitted by August 15th.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Blake Library Gallery is featuring “Couleur de la Vallée,” an exhibit of artwork by local artist Gert Thibodeau, through the month of May.

Couleur de la Vallée showcases paintings where the artist explores a new style of figurative art. Thibodeau said this new way of painting opens a world of greater expression, allowing more freedom and satisfaction for her soul.

Gert Thibodeau’s creative process uses more vivid, brilliant colors that excite the viewer’s mood. Her paintings portray a three-dimensional interpretation that depends on the presence of light to define form and create shadows – elements that significantly affect composition.

Thibodeau said, “Art would not exist without light. The key is strong, bright, and colorful light.”

A “Meet the Artist” event will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Blake Library Gallery.  The event is free and open to the public.

Gert Thibodeau is a French-Canadian artist born in Clair, New Brunswick. She was an art instructor for more than forty years teaching children and adults through numerous schools and private classes.

She attends many yearly exhibits, including the Rendez-vous des artistes in St. Leonard, New Brunswick. This exhibit is the largest gathering of juried painters and sculptors of Eastern Canada. She has received numerous educator and artist awards and has sold work that has travelled across borders. Thibodeau is a member of the Saint John Valley Artists.

Having a great admiration for nature, Thibodeau said, “Painting the Saint John Valley landscape fulfills my ability to create new works, capturing the Valley’s exquisite beauty full of color and light.” She believes that art is the highest expression of beauty that God created and she is humbled by her gift to share the beauty of art with the world.

For more information on the exhibit or library hours, please contact Gallery Curator Sofia Birden at 834-7527.

The Acadian Archives, located on the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus, and Rivertown Community Arts Center are pleased to announce collaborative efforts to host events by poet Jeri Theriault.

On Friday, May 2nd, at 7 p.m., Rivertown will host readings by Jeri Theriault from her poetry book, Self-Portrait as Homestead, and to include other works. The event will feature musical accompaniment by her husband, Phil Carlsen, on cello. Self-Portrait as Homestead presents various speakers as the accumulated voice of one character who is girl-woman-mother-grandmother. These poems are inspired by Theriault’s family members. A Q & A session will follow.

“I met Jeri over 10 years ago and was impressed with the wisdom and richness of her poetry,” said Rivertown founder and co-chair Jenna Jandreau. “This program series will bring the best parts of life together – music, poems, art-making, good company, and exploring the power of people and place.”

On Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Theriault will lead two workshops that focus on “mapping memory.” Participants will explore place-memories by first drawing their childhood home (or neighborhood) and then writing into the spaces created by these visual memories. No previous drawing or writing experience is needed. This activity will be held at the Acadian Archives on the UMFK campus. This event is free and open to the public.

“Jeri’s visit provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate our region’s Acadian and Franco-American heritage,” states Archives director Patrick Lacroix. “Jeri understands the importance of place in the lives of Acadians, and her workshop will help us cherish the home we have in the St. John Valley.”

From 1 to 3:00 p.m. on May 3rd, Theriault will guide a writing and paper collage session at the Rivertown Community Arts Center, located at 26 Market Street in Fort Kent. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and their favorite writing implement, along with memorabilia, favorite papers or magazines, and photographs to include in a collage (please note: bring photocopies of anything that you would not want to rip up and glue). Each workshop held on Saturday will cost $25 per person. Materials are included in the cost.

Registration is required for each of the three events. Please contact Rivertown to register or for more information at rivertowncac@gmail.com or (207) 231-2711.

Jeri Theriault grew up in Waterville, Maine, and graduated from Colby College, later earning an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her teaching career spanned thirty-four years, six of them as English Department Chair at the International School of Prague. She has published poetry collections and compiled and edited the anthology, WAIT: Poems from the Pandemic. She received the 2023 Maine Arts Commission Literary Arts Fellowship, the 2023 Monson Arts Fellowship, and the 2022 NORward Prize (New Ohio Review).

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Nursing program that is delivered on the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus will host an Escape Room event for its students on Wednesday, April 16th from 1 to 3 p.m. in Folsom Hall, room 105.

Nursing students will navigate the challenges of caring for two ICU-level patients, one will have sepsis, and the other diabetic ketoacidosis. The nursing students have successfully completed their first two years of nursing school and are moving into their clinical courses this fall.

The Escape Room incorporates everything students have learned in their first two years of nursing school. This year’s Escape Room students will perform more than 100 nursing skills, interventions, clinical judgment and reasoning, pathophysiology, anatomy, pharmacology, ethical and even legal elements.

For more information on the event, please contact Associate Professor of Nursing Stacy Thibodeau at stacy.st@maine.edu or (207) 999-1157.

For UMPI media, please contact Director of Marketing and Communications Rachel Rice at rachel.rice@maine.edu or (207) 768-9447.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its thirteenth annual Scholars’ Symposium on Wednesday, April 30th on the UMFK campus.  The theme of this year’s event is “Boundaries and Bridges: The U.S.-Canada Border Over Time.”  The symposium is free and open to the public.

Join us for a dynamic day of learning and engagement featuring insightful student-led sessions complemented by presentations from distinguished guest speakers. This year’s theme explores evolving changes at the U.S.-Canada border and their impact on communities on both sides.

“The 2025 UMFK Scholars’ Symposium embraces this year’s theme, Boundaries and Bridges: The U.S.-Canada Border Over Time, by fostering critical discussions on the historical and cultural dimensions of our shared border. Rooted in UMFK’s mission of experiential learning, the symposium provides a platform for students, faculty, and the wider community to engage in scholarly discourse that is both regionally relevant and globally significant,” said Dr. Stephanie Landry, UMFK assistant professor of forestry and symposium chair. “Through stimulating presentations, poster presentations, and intellectual exchange, we celebrate academic excellence, curiosity, and the power of collaboration in a rural, Franco-American setting that has long stood at the crossroads of two nations.”

The annual symposium will kick off with an event held at the Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes for a special learning activity on the history of the U.S.-Canada border in northern Maine from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th.

Wednesday morning, the symposium will begin with a welcome from UMFK President Deb Hedeen at 8:30 a.m. in Fox Auditorium followed by the presentation of undergraduate awards presented by President Hedeen.

At 9 a.m. you will hear from the following keynote speakers:

Dr. Paul Buck: Professor of History and Education at UMFK. With the help of historical maps, most of which are housed at USM’s Osher Map Library, Paul’s presentation examines the different perspectives of Maine statehood and of Maine culture as seen through the prism of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, which definitively established the boundary between British North America and the United States.

Dr. Buck explores the treaty itself and its impact on the singular Acadian and Francophone community of the St. John Valley, which found itself split into two countries. He gives historical context as well, most certainly beginning with the long-standing Maliseet and Mi’kmaq communities of the region, along with Scots-Irish and, by the 1820s, of Maine Yankee residents who began arriving in the region. Finally, he will give a more modern perspective with the discussion of the framing of the region as seen through the Congrès mondial acadien/World Acadian Congress in 2014.

Dr. Lisa Lavoie: Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at UMFK and has completed an M.A. thesis on the effect of 9/11 on the twin towns of Fort Kent, Maine, and Clair, New Brunswick, wherein she discussed specific events that have, at times, transformed the border into a barrier. Her current research highlights the more recent effect of the COVID pandemic on local mental health and, in a broader context, on interpersonal and familial relationships in the area. She is a bilingual native of the region.

Patrol Agent in Charge Jodi L. Williams: Jodi L. Williams will provide an overview of the U.S. Border Patrol’s history, evolution, and key operations. The presentation will cover the agency’s origins, the impact of events like 9/11 and COVID-19, and highlight challenges in the Houlton Sector along the U.S.-Canada border. The presentation will also detail the federal hiring process and training at the Border Patrol Academy, offering insight into what it takes to become a Border Patrol agent and the agency’s role in national security and immigration enforcement.

The UMFK faculty members will speak on their research which will focus on a single topic, example, idea, project, or technique at 10 am in Fox followed by UMFK students’ research presentations.

The afternoon continues to highlight students’ research with poster sessions and presentations and the students will answer questions about their methodologies and findings, at the Sports Center from 1 to 3 p.m.

This is a terrific opportunity for community members of all ages to interact with UMFK students and learn more from subject-matter experts. The day’s events will conclude with an awards presentation to honor exemplary student work.

UMFK offers multiple degree paths which lead to associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. For a complete program listing and more information, please visit the UMFK website.

For more information on the Scholars’ Symposium, please contact Dr. Stephanie Landry at stephanie.landry1@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is making it even easier for students to access quality education with a flexible hyflex course delivery model in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Administration program. This approach puts students in control, allowing them to choose how they attend classes based on their learning preferences and schedules.

“Our goal is to deliver dynamic, student-centered instruction that adapts to each learner’s unique journey—both in the classroom and in life,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “At UMFK, we are committed to providing students with flexible, personalized education that meets them where they are and helps them thrive.”

The model allows students to choose between in-person attendance or synchronous online participation via Zoom, ensuring that education is accessible to all, regardless of location or circumstance. This structure enables courses to adapt each semester, resulting in three possible instructional modalities:

• Exclusive Face-to-Face Enrollment: If all enrolled students opt for face-to-face attendance, the course proceeds as a traditional in-person class.
• Mixed Enrollment: For courses with both face-to-face and online students, simultaneous instruction occurs. Face-to-face students attend in the classroom, while online students join via Zoom, participating at the same time as their peers, in real-time discussions.
• Exclusive Online Enrollment: When all students choose online participation, the course is conducted asynchronously. This allows students to attend the class when it is convenient for them. In this instance, the scheduled Zoom meeting time serves as an optional session for students to engage directly with their professor to have questions answered or engage in further discussion.

This adaptable approach not only maximizes enrollment potential but also meets students where they are. By offering multiple avenues for course participation, UMFK ensures that all students have the opportunity to engage in a manner that best suits their individual needs.

“Our Computer Systems Administration program is ideally suited for this type of instruction modality because it mirrors the real-world working environment of computer systems administrators,” said UMFK Assistant Professor of Computer Science Kelly White. “With this model, we can provide our students with the best of both worlds, traditional in-class learning experience for the courses they want and remote, online learning experiences for maximized scheduling flexibility.”

The successful implementation of the hyflex model reflects UMFK’s commitment to innovative education and student-centered learning. As the university continues to embrace flexible learning solutions, it remains dedicated to providing accessible education that meets the evolving needs of its student body.

For more information about UMFK’s computer system administration degree program, please visit the Computer Systems Administration program webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a rural, public university committed to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. UMFK offers a variety of programs that prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning, emphasizing personalized attention and community engagement.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent biology program will host its first Scientific Speakers Series presentation entitled “Modeling the developmental origins of health and disease” on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Fox Auditorium located on the UMFK campus. The speaker series is free and open to the public.

Dr. Jim Coffman, Ph.D., will share research from his lab, exploring how chronic stress and exposure to environmental chemicals during early development can increase disease risk later in life. His team uses zebrafish as a model organism, as they share the same anatomical and physiological stress response system as humans. As in humans, early-life stress in zebrafish affects the development of the immune and central nervous systems through the same genetic pathways. Dr. Coffman’s research aims to uncover how environmental stressors interact with these genes during development, leading to long-term effects that can persist into adulthood and even across generations.

Beginning with Dr. Coffman’s presentation, and throughout the series, organizers aim to connect students and the community with researchers who can inspire and guide them in shaping their futures.

“By creating these opportunities, we not only help students refine their goals but also bridge the gap between science and communities,” said Samantha Beaulieu, UMFK natural sciences laboratory manager and forestry and environmental studies program assistant. “Representation matters, and by bringing in researchers such as Dr. Coffman, with whom we can relate either through background or research focus, we can make science more accessible and meaningful for everyone.”

Dr. James Coffman is an Associate Professor at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory and the Director of the Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). He earned his Ph.D. in zoology from Duke University and a B.A. in biology from Carleton College.

For more information, please contact Samantha Beaulieu, at samantha.beautlieu@maine.edu or 207-834-7868.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its annual “Sucrerie” on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nowland Hall.

The “maple sugar recreation” has drawn more than 200 community members to campus in years past. The event features a traditional maple taffy pull on the snow, an Acadian meal, and live entertainment by The Acadian Singers.

The maple taffy pull and taste testing, onsite and served over the snow for community members to enjoy, are free to the public. Northwoods Nectar will be onsite. All ployes will be served by UMFK employees wearing Acadian attire.

A nominal fee of $15 per plate will be charged for the Acadian meal and entertainment. The committee has worked with Sodexo dining services to create the perfect menu for the event.  The public is encouraged to attend the “Sucrerie.”

Specific areas will be designated parking for community members.

UMFK continues to preserve and foster an appreciation of the Acadian and Franco-American heritage and culture by hosting annual events such as the “Sucrerie.”

For more information, contact the University Relations office at 834-7557 or by e-mail at susan.tardie@maine.edu.

The Admissions Office at the University of Maine at Fort Kent will host Bengal Bound Day on Friday, March 28, 2025. This is a day for accepted students and interested students who have not yet applied to experience #LIFE at UMFK.

The day will begin at 8:15 a.m., starting with breakfast and a Sign-Up Fair where prospective students and their families will meet UMFK students, faculty, and staff from various offices who will be available to answer questions on topics such as residential life, career planning, and financial aid. Students will also have an opportunity to browse student organizations and meet some of the coaches.

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.

“Bengal Bound Day is a great opportunity for students to experience UMFK’s campus community, connect with faculty and current students, and get a real feel for what it’s like to be a Bengal,” said Jeremy Bouford, UMFK director of admissions. “We want students to walk away feeling confident and excited about their future here.”

For lunch, attendees will enjoy the Tastes of UMFK in Nowland Hall. This will be followed by a ‘Get it Done!’ 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.

The day will wrap up with a Q&A where attendees will also have a chance to win various prizes, including an opportunity to win a free 3-credit course (non-transferrable, not to exceed tuition and fees). Bengal Bound will end at 1:30 p.m.

Learn more about the event on the Bengal Bound Day webpage.

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