Building a Sustainable Future Through Access and Innovation
For sixty years, the University of Maine at Augusta has opened the door to higher education for students who never imagined it was possible. We meet learners where they are, welcome them as they are, and help them go further than they believed they could.
Maine stands at a crossroads. Our workforce is aging, new technologies are reshaping the economy, and the state has set ambitious goals to add skilled workers and college graduates by 2030. UMA is ready to meet that moment. Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan sets a bold direction for how we will serve students, grow the programs that matter most to Maine, and keep UMA strong and sustainable for years to come.
Mission Statement
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and onsite education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.
Vision Statement
As an engaged learning community, the University of Maine at Augusta will continuously pursue innovative and best-in-class pedagogy, technology, and services to enhance student learning and success. UMA is committed to delivering quality academic programs, onsite and at a distance, that prepare students to succeed as engaged citizens, professionals, and leaders in enriching and advancing communities in Maine and beyond.
Our Values
UMA is welcoming. We create a sense of belonging where every learner feels valued and supported.
UMA is responsive and student-centered. We meet students where they are and empower them to reach their goals.
UMA is nimble. We adapt quickly to serve students and communities in a changing world.
UMA is adaptable. We embrace change and use it to expand opportunity.
UMA is collaborative. We believe progress happens when we work together.
UMA is accessible. We believe education should be within reach for everyone.
Six Key Strategies
Six strategies guide how UMA will pursue its goals over the next five years.
Strengthen Student Success. Support students from their first day to graduation through proactive advising, integrated support, and early outreach that keeps them on track.
Transform Lives. Build a welcoming community across our campuses, centers, and online environments where every student, faculty, and staff member feels valued and supported.
Advance Academics. Keep programs relevant and responsive to learners and Maine’s workforce, and give faculty the tools to teach at their best.
Enhance Marketing and Recruitment. Grow enrollment by reaching learners of every background and making UMA’s value clear across the state.
Cultivate Reputation and Resources. Strengthen UMA’s reputation and its relationships with alumni, partners, and communities to sustain long-term support.
Strive for Efficiency and Sustainability. Invest in efficient, sustainable campuses and operations that keep education affordable and within reach.
Momentum from 2021–2025
The 2025–2030 plan builds on four years of progress under the previous plan.
Academic innovation and growth. New degrees and certificates in Cybersecurity, Data Visualization, Aviation, Social Science, Music Technology, and Education expanded UMA’s portfolio to match workforce and student demand.
Investments in facilities and student life. A new Dental Clinic at the Lewiston Center, expanded housing at Stevens Commons, the new Capital Center in Augusta, and added athletics and Esports opportunities strengthened both the academic and student experience.
Pioneering programs. UMA advanced aviation with a flight simulator, an airplane, the Aviation Maintenance Training School at Brunswick Landing, and an expanded Uncrewed Aircraft Systems program.
Expanded access. UMA brought prison education to every adult Maine Department of Corrections facility, strengthened support for neurodiverse students, and launched the President’s Transforming Lives Council.
Student support and success. Investments in advising, early alerts, and 24-hour counseling now support students from entry to graduation.