You’ve heard us talk about finding your path and your place at UMA. But the best part? It’s what comes after.
We asked two recent UMA graduates to share their stories — the possibilities that opened up, the doors that surprised them, and the impact UMA continues to have on their lives today. Whether you’re exploring majors, building your resume, or dreaming about what’s next, their journeys show what becomes possible when you find the right fit.
Meet Garvey and Noah
GARVEY BLACKWELL, ’25
Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Science
Recipient of the Kathleen Dexter Distinguished Student Award
Currently pursuing her Master’s in Library and Information Science while working as a Library Research Assistant
What possibilities opened up for you at UMA that you never expected?
One of the main possibilities that UMA provided for me was that it set such a strong foundation in my academics that I feel I could do any library job that I want or even work in other institutions like archives and museums with no issue, even without a master’s degree. For my field, I am required to have a master’s degree, which is why I am continuing. Still, I feel that I have acquired all the necessary foundational aspects that I would typically learn in a master’s level program, which I would typically be pursuing after completing a bachelor’s degree. Which makes it highly beneficial for me and provides more opportunities for me to specialize in my master’s, rather than continuing to learn the basics.
I’ve also built such a strong relationship with my professors, and now I have lifelong relationships with them that go beyond professional/academic relations, but also to personal ones. Although I did struggle at times in certain classes, every time, I was able to reach out to my advisers and professors to get guidance and assistance, as well as utilize any of the tech or tutoring that was offered at the school, and collaborate with other students to push through. It made me realize that even through the tough times and struggles I had through the process, the school recognized that it happens and was there to support me.
I’ve connected with other classmates and gotten more from UMA than I ever expected. UMA didn’t just give me an education; it helped me realize my potential and opened doors to careers and goals I hadn’t even imagined before.
What’s your biggest achievement since graduating, and how did UMA prepare you for it?
Since graduating, my biggest achievement has been continuing my academic journey in a master’s program in Library and Information Science with a specialization in Digital Curation, while also working in an academic library as a Library Research Assistant and collaborating on various projects that relate to my field. UMA prepared me for these accomplishments by giving me a strong academic foundation, refining my research and information management skills, and fostering my curiosity about how knowledge is preserved and shared. The supportive faculty and hands-on learning experiences at UMA gave me the confidence to take on advanced study and professional work in the library and archival fields, where I now get to apply what I’ve learned every day.
What doors has your UMA education opened that surprise people?
After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Information in Library Science, I have continued on to graduate school to obtain my master of Library and Information Science and I can already tell how much UMA has propelled me, and set such a strong foundation in my academics and reality of my career, because I am able to breeze straight through these new assignments because of the background that I’ve had thanks to UMA. I am able to think beyond regular discussions and specific assignments, as well as tasks I am given in my current Library job.
Other librarians have been completely surprised that I have a bachelor’s degree in that field, and it shocks them even more to learn that I already know all of the information that is taught within the master’s level program. Additionally, the hands-on aspect of the learning has been such a crucial part of the doors that my UMA education has opened for me because I can already enter positions and other projects, knowing that I have had real-world experience, and can physically apply all that I’ve learned. When people ask me if I understand certain things both in my field and otherwise, I can reply not only that I understand it in an in-depth way, but I also have had experience actually doing those things, and understand how to complete the tasks not just sufficiently, but in a more profound way.
What are you working toward now that excites you most?
Right now, I’m working toward completing my Master of Library and Information Science with a specialization in Digital Curation, and afterward, I plan to earn a master’s-level certificate in Archival Studies. What excites me most is how these programs allow me to combine my love for libraries, technology, and preservation. I’m especially thrilled to be working on an archival project with a UMA professor — it’s been such a rewarding experience to apply what I’ve learned in a real-world setting and contribute to preserving materials that hold lasting cultural and personal value. Each step deepens my appreciation for the field and fuels my enthusiasm for building a career in archives and digital preservation.
If you could give one word of advice to someone considering UMA, what would it be – and why?
ENGAGE.
UMA offers a supportive, flexible environment for learners, online students, and those balancing school with work or family. If you, as a student, thrive and actively engage with professors, classmates, assignments, and campus resources (even virtually), you will be well-positioned for a comprehensive and well-rounded career both during and after your time at this school. Building those connections and continuing to engage throughout the process can turn a convenient education into a truly transformative experience.
Throughout my time at UMA, I was always so grateful and impressed with how connected their professors are, how much feedback they gave, how much time and effort they engaged with their students, and with the quality of their courses, materials, and resources. Furthermore, as an online student, I never came to the campus until my graduation day, but I never once felt out of the loop, forgotten about, or not part of my university. I was constantly engaged by surprise, swag, emails from my professors and fellow students, as well as truly beneficial engagement through the assignments. All of the assignments were very engaging, both mentally and through real-world hands-on tasks that would assist in my engagement in the future, as well as how I understood the materials.
UMA does everything it can to engage its students and provide engagement through its materials and learning, and all the student has to do is put forth the same amount of effort and engagement to fully take in all that UMA has to offer. To any prospective students who are considering this school, UMA will be the best school you could ever go to, and I have never seen a school more engaged and connected with its students, as well as providing such a top-tier education. I am continuing my education and have attended college before UMA, and the University of Maine at Augusta is the best school I’ve ever been to.
NOAH THOMPSON, ’20
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts
Captain of the UMA Moose
USCAA National Student-Athlete of the Year
Inducted into UMA’s Athletic Hall of Fame
Currently Care Center Manager at Final Gift
What possibilities opened up for you at UMA that you never expected?
It was very unexpected that the friendships and connections that I made during my time at UMA have lasted well past my college years. How friendly and willing people were to help me during my time was amazing. I knew from a very early stage that everyone is willing to help and WANT to see you succeed. You didn’t feel like just a regular day-to-day student. I built relationships during my time that I never would’ve imagined.
What’s your biggest achievement since graduating, and how did UMA prepare you for it?
My personal life’s biggest achievement was getting married!!
My professional life’s biggest achievement would be achieving a management title early on after college. The more experience I gain, the more doors open for me.
What doors has your UMA education opened that surprise people?
Discovery of new interests. I graduated with my bachelor’s in Liberal Arts, where I was able to choose the classes that I was most interested in on a broad spectrum. This has opened many doors because of the different experiences I learned during those college years.
What are you working toward now that excites you most?
I am working on career advancement. I have used the tools I’ve learned from UMA to help me with this.
If you could give one word of advice to someone considering UMA, what would it be – and why?
CULTURE.
UMA felt like a home away from home for me when I moved from Arizona. UMA has an unmatched culture that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Garvey studied online and never set foot on campus until graduation day — but never once felt forgotten or out of the loop. Noah moved from Arizona and found his people. Both found professors who cared, built relationships that lasted, and are now doing things that matter to them.
And they both still carry UMA with them.
Because that’s the thing about finding your place: when you grow there, when you’re supported there, when you belong there — it stays with you. Even after you’ve moved on to whatever comes next.