As the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) continues celebrating its 60th anniversary, we look back at the stories that define us. For Christine (McCormick) Knight, UMA’s Director of Early College, the university is not just a workplace or an alma mater—it is a thread woven into the very fabric of her family’s history. Her journey is a testament to how education can transform lives across generations, meeting students exactly where they are.
The First Spark: A Mother’s Example
The story began in 1989 when Christine’s mother, Leslie, joined UMA as a staff member. Encouraged by a supervisor to use her employee benefits, Leslie, now a senior research analyst at UMA, began the challenging path of a non-traditional student. While raising a family and working full time, she persisted, earning her associate degree in 1996 and her bachelor’s in Business Administration – Management 1998. A very young Christine sat in those commencement audiences, watching her mother cross the stage. Those early memories left a lasting mark on her understanding of what it means to work for a dream. Reflecting on that moment years later, Christine described the experience as formative: “The celebration of her achievement was a lesson about the pursuit of education and the value and meaning it holds in our lives.”
Finding her Village in the Arts
When it came time for Christine to pursue her own degree, she chose UMA’s Jazz and Contemporary Music program. It was an affordable path that offered her the freedom to take risks and learn from world-class educators. It was also where she found her village. She co-founded a jazz-funk fusion group called Sassquatch with five peers, touring the Northeast and recording albums. One of those bandmates, Matthew, eventually became her husband. Looking back, Christine often emphasizes the sense of belonging she found at UMA. “UMA is a unique landscape where everyone just so earnestly wants to be part of these efforts and this community; you can find your people here.”
The Ultimate “Pay-it-Forward”
One of the most remarkable chapters of the McCormick family story began at Christine’s 2015 graduation. As is UMA tradition, all graduates received a “Pay-it-Forward” certificate for one free class to share. Christine knew immediately who it was meant for—her father, Sean. A Maine plumbing and heating professional and fly-fishing guide, Sean had never had the opportunity to attend college as a young man. For the next ten years, he took one or two classes a semester while maintaining two careers. That decade of persistence culminated in Spring 2025. In a moment that brought the family’s journey full circle, father and daughter marched together in the same ceremony, Christine receiving her master’s degree and Sean receiving his bachelor’s in liberal studies. Christine later reflected on the moment with pride. “I watched him with admiration as he finally took his turn crossing the very same stage to collect his hard-earned bachelor’s degree.”
Leading the Next Generation
Today, Christine serves as director of Early College Programs, helping high school students see that they do not have to wait to start their futures. Under her leadership, UMA became the first program in Maine to pursue national NACEP accreditation, ensuring these opportunities remain rigorous and transformative. She frequently shares her family’s story with students, whether they are 16 or 61, as a reminder that potential has no expiration date. As Christine often tells them, “A college degree means more than just what your concentration was on that piece of paper; it’s that network, community, and skills that forever stay with you.”
The Next 60 Years
As UMA looks toward the future, the legacy continues. Supporting Christine and Sean at their graduation were four generations of their family. Christine’s eldest daughter, Emmalydia, has already shared that she wants to graduate “just like Mommy” someday. The McCormick/Knight family story reflects the heart of UMA’s mission: providing flexibility, encouragement and belonging so transformation can take root and flourish. For Christine, that impact is visible every day. “We watch people overcome challenges with the support of the UMA community,” she observed. “That is the transformative power of education.”