Ariel M. Cassista

Ariel has been a valued member of the UMA community since 2007, contributing her expertise in Enrollment Management, Institutional Research, and Admissions, where she has been employed for the last eight years. In her role, she excels in managing the prospective student database, digital communications, and text messaging operations. Ariel also oversees UMA’s Student Ambassador program and TikTok social media presence.

Ariel’s passion for education blossomed later in life. Once unsure of her own college prospects, she is now a proud UMA alum, having completed both an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (magna cum laude) and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (cum laude) while working full time. A Rising Scholar and Student Commencement Speaker finalist, she exemplifies how persistence and opportunity intersect to transform lives.

Her journey as a nontraditional student gives her a unique perspective and a deep connection to the students she serves. Ariel believes strongly in the power of combining real-world experience with academic education and is dedicated to making higher education opportunities accessible to adult students. She also values creating connections with young people, having conversations that nobody once had with her, and helping them discover the possibilities within their reach.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Augusta Back to School Program, helping young people access the resources they need to be fully prepared for school and r​eady to embrace lifelong learning. A graduate of the Kennebec Leadership Institute, Ariel is deeply committed to strengthening education and community partnerships across Maine.

Outside of her professional role, Ariel embraces the simple joys of life. After spending most of her life showing dogs, she can often be found petting any animal within reach, gardening, or cheering on student-athletes at Moose sporting events.