LIFE at
UMFK

UMFK's Libra Scholar and author of "Teaching with AI," Dr. Edward Watson gave a lecture on the UMFK campus on April 16. His presentation addressed the challenges and opportunities of using AI in the classroom and meeting students' expectations for career-readiness, while not compromising learning outcomes established by faculty.

UMFK is happy to collaborate with MSAD 27 for developing The Upper St. John Valley Recovery High School — the first of its kind in Maine for high school students who have experienced substance misuse. MSAD 27 received funding from the Maine Recovery Council to operate the program for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. The program is based on National Association of Recovery School (ARS) standards and practice. Studies by the Recovery Village Advanced Recovery Systems nationwide network of addiction recovery facilities have found that students who attend these schools have fewer school absences, are less likely to experience a delay in earning a high school diploma, are less less likely to resume substance use and are more likely to remain clean and sober. The Upper St. John Valley Recovery High School is slated to begin serving students in August, 2026.

UMFK Professor Stacy Thibodeau facilitated a wonderful collaboration between UMFK's Nursing program on the UMPI campus and UMPI's Medical Laboratory Technician program. Partnering with UMPI Professor Leigh Belair, the faculty members created over 70 clinical scenarios that students needed to navigate to test their skills.