President Jennifer Cushman welcomed faculty and staff to the 2025–26 academic year with a message of pride, gratitude, and optimism for the future. Now in her third year leading UMA, she reflected on the university’s unique role in meeting twenty-first century student needs and emphasized the spirit of resilience and opportunity that has defined UMA for sixty years.
Cushman highlighted major accomplishments from the past year, including the opening of the Capital Center in Augusta, approval of a new 90-credit bachelor’s degree, record growth in residential enrollment, and expansion of programs in high-demand fields like aviation, cybersecurity, psychology, and health care. Looking ahead, she pointed to UMA’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and the milestone of its 60th Anniversary as opportunities to honor UMA’s history while charting a bold course for the future.
Each year, UMA honors members of its community with Meritorious Achievement Awards, recognizing those who go above and beyond in their dedication to students, colleagues, and the university. The awards celebrate excellence in teaching, advising, leadership, and service across both colleges and employee groups. This year’s honorees exemplify UMA’s mission and values:
Not pictured: Professional Employees Assembly: Lynn Poor, student services coordinator at the UMA Lewiston Center
Every year, in 5-year increments, we recognize employees for the length of time they have served the university. Of particular note this year were the following long-time faculty and staff, whose dedication and commitment over the decades have made a lasting impact on UMA’s students, colleagues, and community.
20 years:
Gail Pelletier
Eric Stark
Robert Marden
Tanner Kelleter
25 years:
Jane Finison-Jones
Joseph Szakas
30 years:
Frank Bean III
N. Gregory Keneborus
35 years:
Leslie McCormick
Robert Sobczak
40 years:
Laurie Breton
45 years:
Bethany Vigue
Julia Millay
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees! Your commitment, talent, and care make a profound difference in the lives of our students and in the strength of our community.
As UMA celebrates its 60th anniversary, we honor not only our history, but also the people who continue to shape its future with excellence, vision, and heart.