Theodora June Kalikow
University of Maine at Farmington
Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow, President of the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), is an unassuming individual who quietly runs one of Maine's finest educational institutions. Dr. Kalikow's strengths include inspiring women, contributing to the community locally and statewide, volunteering on numerous committees, and offering educational opportunities to hundreds of women and men.
Leading the Maine Academic Management Institute (ME-AMI), President Kalikow is a visionary who has been a significant force in providing a forum for professional development for women in academia throughout Maine and in actively supporting leadership education for Maine women. Her commitment to and involvment in ME-AMI has markedly influenced the lives and careers of women with whom she has collaborated. Her values, directness, unassuming nature, kindness, "can-do" attitude, and sense of humor make her a fine role model for women learning leadership skills. She also engages in considerable one-on-one mentoring of women, using her wide network of contacts to help women advance professionally.
President Kalikow was instrumental in establishing the Women's Studies Program at UMF, which affects women and men students every year. Under her watch, UMF also achieved national recognition as the top liberal arts college in its region. She is known statewide as a model for establishing outstanding town-gown relationships with the people of Farmington. When UMF's Mantor Library needed upgrading, she orchestrated a successful fundraising campaign with the town's public library, which was also in need of substantial renovation.
The enduring value of President Kalikow's commitment to women is noteworthy. As a university president, she has been a model for many women. Her influence in Maine has been to encourage and empower women to reach for higher goals than they would have without her influence. As a leader and manager, she is positive, direct, open, honest, and appreciative of the diverse viewpoints of those around her. Her commitment to education runs deep and is a way to help make the world a better place to live in. Women who meet her quickly understand her values and feel encouraged to act on their own.
Over the past decade, groups in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Colorado have honored President Kalikow. In 2000 she received the Maryann Hartman Award from the University of Maine's Women's Studies Program. Her intelligence, hard work, and focused commitment to her goals has earned her the respect of the people she has worked with and recognition by many organizations in Maine and beyond.
1997 Photograph
Inducted March 2002