UMFK Hires New Assistant Professor of Computer Science

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Assistant Professor of Computer Science Dr. Kelly White at UMFKThe University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to welcome Dr. Kelly White as an assistant professor of computer science.

“Dr. White brings a wonderful combination of technical and educational backgrounds that will allow our students to have greater exposure to the requirements of the industry,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen.

Dr. White earned his associate’s degree in visual arts from the Community College of Vermont and his bachelor’s in fine art from Arizona State University. He then received his master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Phoenix, and his first doctoral work was in computing technology in education from Nova Southeastern University. Finally, he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.

Prior to teaching at UMFK, Dr. White taught for MSAD #1. For over ten years he was the Director of Teaching and Learning at McLennan Community College in Texas. He also served as the Coordinator of Academic Services for the Community College of Vermont for six years.

“Dr. White utilizes current real-world examples of cybersecurity threats, such as the log4j vulnerability, to educate his students with the most relevant information,” said UMFK student Nickolas Tozier. “He is excellent at developing his student’s critical thinking and communication skills so that we may accurately and competently explain risks and remediation efforts to our future employers. Dr. White will be a valuable asset not only to UMFK, but especially for his students for many years to come.”

Dr. White has extensive experience in curricular design and creation. He has already contributed to the revamp of UMFK’s former Computer Applications program and helped adjust it to become more industry friendly as the Computer Systems Administration program.

At UMFK’s recent Scholar Symposium, Dr. White presented on application development and the intersectionality of university need and student interest in technology. He discussed how he will be helping students learn how to develop smartphone apps and the entire research process that is required to build a successful one.

“Dr. White’s classes have brought high-end concepts such as augmented reality to northern Maine,” said UMFK student Kobe Chasse. “Having a professor that pushes the boundaries of computer science is extremely beneficial in an area with a burgeoning computer field. I hope to work with him in my future endeavors.”

For more information go to www.umfk.edu or call (207) 834-7500.

UMFK Nursing Student Honored with Award

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that nursing student, Irene Neal, was recently honored by Maine Campus Compact (MCC) on April 28, 2022, at its 21st Annual Awards Ceremony. Neal was awarded the Heart and Soul Award which recognizes outstanding work in public service and civic engagement by Maine faculty, students, and community and corporate partners.

“During these unprecedented times, our award recipients’ positive impacts on campuses and in communities throughout the state reinforce the importance of the public purposes of higher education,” said Sally Slovenski from MCC.

The Heart and Soul Student Award recognizes six Maine undergraduate students who are actively involved in transforming their campuses and communities into environments of civic engagement. These students have developed positive community and campus change and have worked to institutionalize their community projects. They have implemented innovative approaches to social, educational, environmental, health, economic and legal issues facing their communities and demonstrated leadership through their successful involvement of others on campus and in the community.

“We’re so proud that Ms. Neal’s work is being recognized at the state level,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “She has had such an impact on campus and with her peers.”

Neal is from central Maine. She began her college journey at the University of Maine studying Biomedical Engineering but changed her major to Nursing at UMFK. As a Student Trustee to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees during the onset of the pandemic, she strongly advocated for science-based responses—masking, testing, social distancing, vaccinations—and this focus on public health informs her continuing activities. In addition to serving as an officer on the UMFK Student Nurses Organization, she has also worked part-time as a CNA. After graduation in May, she will start her nursing career at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina on a Cardiac Stepdown Unit.

“Ms. Neal pursued her preceptorship at Duke University Hospital, and they were so impressed with her that they have offered her a position upon graduation,” said UMFK Dean of Nursing, Dr. Erin Soucy. “She has been a wonderful student to have on campus.

For more information about the nursing program at UMFK, please go to the Nursing program webpage or call (207) 834-7600.

UMFK Hires New Forestry Professor

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) is pleased to welcome Dr. Libin Thaikkattil Louis as a new assistant professor of forestry.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Louis join us as an assistant professor of forestry,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “His research will benefit our students greatly.”

Dr. Louis received his Ph.D. in Forest Resources from the University of Maine in 2021 and his doctoral research focused on the economic constraints of timber harvesting, developing a novel model for the small diameter tree market scenario for the region, and exploring the perspectives of forestry stakeholders in the Northeastern states. Previously, he had been trained as a landscape ecologist exploring the importance of landscape composition and configuration on biodiversity in agricultural farms as part of his master’s in forestry from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He has also completed his bachelor’s in forestry from Kerala Agricultural University in Kerala, India.

“I am very excited to be part of UMFK,” said Dr. Louis. “This opportunity helps me to work closely with my research collaborators on the UMaine campus as well as to continue to pursue my research interests in the forests of Maine. Moreover, teaching has always been a passion of mine and I cherish continuing to provide quality forestry field experiences as part of the courses.”

Published in well-known forestry peer-reviewed journals such as International Journal of Forest Engineering, Forests, and Current Forestry Reports, Dr. Louis has remained at the forefront of research in his field of study. He has presented his research at various regional, national, and international conferences such as Symposium on Forestry Mechanization, Council of Forest Engineers, and International Congress on Conservation Biology. His current research interests are biomass and bioenergy, economics of timber harvesting, and reducing the environmental impacts of forest management in the Northeast United States.

“When I moved to Maine in January 2019, Fort Kent was one of the first places I visited as part of a course field tour,” said Dr. Louis. “I instantly fell in love with the incredible Northern Maine woods. It is my great pleasure to be living in Northern Maine because I have worked with various forestry professionals in the region as one of the study areas in my doctoral thesis was near Eagle Lake.”

Dr. Louis is a seasoned subject matter expert and presenter. He is proficient in several advanced analysis software utilized in scientific research as well as in the forest industry. Dr. Louis will be teaching forestry classes such as Introduction to Global Positioning; Forest Ecology; Forest Products, Harvesting, Transportation, and Forest Mensuration. In his free time, Dr. Louis enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and photography.

For more information, please go to www.umfk.edu or call (207) 834-7500.

UMFK Professor Awarded Research Grant

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that Professor Duane Belanger has been awarded a Rural Health and Wellbeing Grand Challenge Injury Prevention Seed Grant focusing on safety and wellness of Acadian residents of the upper Saint John River valley.

Professor Belanger will be focusing several inherited forms of spastic ataxia in French-Canadians and whether there is any evidence of dysarthria, lower limb spasticity, and distal weakness affecting lower limb movement and gait within the patient population of the area, which may increase the risk for falls and injuries. The grant also provides for the inventory and evaluation of traditional and complimentary alterative medical (CAM) treatments utilized within the French Acadian culture.

“This is an innovative collaboration between the Nursing and Behavioral Sciences program at UMFK and the Physical Science and Physical Therapy Assistant programs of UMPI which provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in both programs to cultivate inter-professional relationships that will provide professional development opportunities for our students on both campuses,” said Belanger.

The $25,000 research grant provides undergraduate research stipends for up to 15 nursing, behavioral science, physical sciences, and physical therapy assistant students from both campuses. As primary researcher, Professor Belanger will be working with Dr. Matthew Papsadora of the UMPI along with UMFK professors Maisie Plourde and Larry Nadeau.

“There is an existing and long-standing history of collaboration between the two campuses and the implementation of this project resolves to reinforce and build upon the positive momentum achieved thus far,” said Belanger.

The application portal for student will open shortly with an application deadline shortly before the beginning of the fall semester. By participating in this grant the hope is that students will become engaged practitioners prepared to be active participants within the evolving inter-professional collaborative healthcare delivery model focused on preventing falls, improving the patient experience, and delivering improved patient outcomes.

For more information you may contact Professor Belanger via email at duane.belanger@maine.edu or via phone at (207) 834-7586. Information on this research project may be obtained by visiting https://duanebelanger.wixsite.com/grandchallenge

UMFK’s Acadian Archives to Hold Open House

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The Acadian Archives at the University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., they will be holding a special, daylong meet-and-greet event. Tailored to community members who have yet to discover the Archives or who have not visited in a long time, this event will be an opportunity to meet the staff, (re)discover the institution’s resources, and learn about activities and events.

“We’re extremely privileged to serve as custodians of the rich recorded history of French-heritage peoples in the Upper St. John River,” said Dr. Patrick Lacroix, director of the Acadian Archives acadiennes. “We are always happy to share our passion and our resources and to enhance the visibility of Acadian culture.”

Although this tour of archival collections will not focus solely on genealogy, it will provide visitors who have an interest in family history with a glimpse of available resources. Special, seldom-seen artifacts will be on display, including woodcarvings and nineteenth-century maps.

Archives staff are also planning virtual information sessions for researchers who want to make the most of the institution’s extensive collections from afar. For more information on the Acadian Archives, please go to the Acadian Archives webpage or call (207) 834-7535.

UMFK To Become a Pet-Friendly Campus

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Crocker Hall now allows pets, cat Oliva is a residentThe University of Maine at Fort Kent will be the first University of Maine System school to have a pet-friendly residence hall, effective fall 2022.

Beginning with the Fall 2022 semester, students who live in Crocker Hall may bring a small pet to live with them. The pets that will be allowed to live in Crocker Hall are cats, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, and certain types of birds.

“We are very excited to offer this option for students,” said UMFK Dean of Students Matthew Morrin. “Approximately 1% of American universities allow pets on campus and UMFK will be the first school in the University of Maine System to be pet friendly. We hope that this will attract and retain students in our residence halls.”

A frequent concern that students have is that they cannot bring a pet, or get one, to live with them in residence. This new approach is aimed at addressing that concern.

“We are launching this initiative in a wing of Crocker Hall to determine how many students respond to this opportunity,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “As a first-come, first-served opportunity we expect it to fill quickly.”

There are specific health requirements and standards of care that are currently in place for the service animals allowed on campus. Those same standards of care will be utilized for the pets allowed in Crocker Hall. Pets in Crocker, however, must remain in their assigned rooms in the residence hall. They will not be allowed to be in other areas of campus like registered service animals.

“For many students, this will make the residence halls feel more like home,” said Morrin. “We strive to make students feel like we’re their home away from home. We hope that adjusting to meet the needs of current and prospective students UMFK will be their school of choice and they will have an even better college experience.”

For more information on the specifics regarding having a pet in Crocker Hall, please go to www.umfk.edu/student-life/ or call 834-7500.

UMFK Scholars’ Symposium to Feature Students’ Achievements

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s eleventh annual Scholars’ Symposium will take place on Tuesday, April 26th, and Wednesday, April 27th, on the UMFK campus. The theme of this year’s event is “Perspectives: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”

“Our committee composed of faculty, students, and staff felt Perspectives was an important theme in recognition of the complexity of the diversity of perspectives and outlooks on our campus and globally,” said Dr. Kaisa Holloway Cripps, co-chair of the committee along with colleagues Dr. Michael Curran and Dr. Leo Trudel. “The theme provides a way for us to share our opinions and engage in collegial conversation to continue to build our positive campus and Fort Kent community.”

The two-day showcase of students’ academic achievements kicks off on Tuesday evening with a talk by Acadian Archives/Archives Acadienne Director Dr. Patrick Lacroix, who will share perspectives on the Acadian and Franco communities of St. John Valley and beyond. The presentation will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Bengal’s Lair, located in Cyr Hall.

Dr. Lacroix earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in history at institutions throughout Canada and New England. Dr. Lacroix has published several pieces in publications. He recently published in the American Review of Canadian Studies, Prelude to the “Great Hemorrhage”: French Canadians in the United States, 1775-1840.

On Wednesday, the symposium will begin with a welcome from UMFK President Dr. Deb Hedeen at 8:30 a.m. in Fox Auditorium. She will be followed by the keynote speaker Honorable Troy Jackson, Maine State Senate president and UMFK alumnus from the class of 2001, who will speak to the UMFK campus community at 8:40 a.m.

Troy Jackson is a fifth-generation logger from Allagash, Maine. Jackson serves in the Maine Senate from District 1, representing northern Aroostook County. In 2018, he was unanimously elected president of the Maine Senate, and in 2020, Jackson was re-elected to that position.

According to his webpage, “In Augusta, Troy has emerged as a health care champion, spearheading legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs, increase access to care, and fund rural hospitals. He has fought for property tax relief so hardworking Mainers can afford to stay in their homes and communities. He has led the charge to protect workers’ rights and worked to promote good-paying jobs in rural Maine.”

At 9:10 a.m. in Fox Auditorium, undergraduate awards will be presented by Dr. Hedeen.

“Lightning Talks,” which are five-minute presentations that will focus on a single topic, example, idea, project, or technique, will be presented by UMFK faculty and community members beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium.

The symposium will include a panel discussion by Dr. Paul Mayeswski and Dr. Alice (Pips) Veazey on “Maine and the Arctic: Perspectives on the Connections and Solutions.”

Dr. Mayewski is Director and Professor of the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine and Distinguished Professor in the Schools of Earth and Climate Sciences, Marine Sciences, Policy and International Affairs, the Business School, and Law School. He is an internationally acclaimed glaciologist, climate scientist, and polar explorer, leader of many expeditions.

Dr. Veazey is Director of the UMaine Portland Gateway. She has led numerous teams of students, educators, scientists, decision-makers, and community partners to increase research competitiveness, promote economic development efforts, and expand statewide workforce programs.

Question and answer sessions will follow presentations held in the auditorium and be monitored by the UMFK Scholar Symposium committee chairs.

The afternoon will highlight students’ research with poster sessions, presentations, and demonstrations, and the students will answer questions about their methodologies and findings. These will be held simultaneously from 1:30 pm to 3:30 p.m. around the campus.

Students can earn an Undergraduate Research Scholar micro-credential through their research and are eligible to earn awards and certificates.

The symposium is free, and the public is welcome. Please check umfk.edu for requirements related to Covid-19.

UMFK Foundation Announces Spring Gala

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Foundation is pleased to announce the return of their annual dinner/performance fundraising event, featuring the jazz duo of Stephen Boody and Kori Lovejoy. The Roaring 20’s-themed event will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

“This is an excellent opportunity to support the UMFK Foundation and celebrate the easing of COVID restrictions,” said event chairperson, Nichole Jandreau. “It has been far too long since we have been able to bring the community on campus, so we’re really excited for this event!”

The annual dinner/performance is the Foundation’s primary fundraising event of the year. The celebration brings together businesses, friends, and family from the UMFK community, including staff, faculty, students, and community friends, who recognize the important contributions the UMFK Foundation brings to both the St. John Valley region and the state. The people who attend, from the local area as well as from away, help to support endowed scholarships and other campus investments that the University needs to continue its important work.

The annual event includes a social hour at 5 p.m. and a seven-course gourmet dinner to begin at 6 p.m., both in the UMFK Sports Center. The musicians will perform during the dessert social.

“This is a well-loved event that we’re happy to bring back,” said UMFK Development Officer, Shannon Lugdon. “The money raised during this event supports the university in so many valuable ways.”

All proceeds from this event are managed by the UMFK Foundation in order to support endowed scholarships and other funds, student research projects, faculty research awards, cultural events, library collections, other campus investments and special projects not budgeted for in the University’s annual operating budget.

Individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the dinner/performance fundraising event are available through the UMFK Development Office by calling 834-7800. Face coverings are optional for this event.

UMFK Announces 2022 Distinguished Service Awardee

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photo of John Pelletier, 2022 distinguished service award recipientThe University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that John Pelletier of Van Buren, will be awarded the Distinguished Service Award at UMFK’s 140th commencement ceremony on May 7, 2022. This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to UMFK.

“John has spent over a decade supporting UMFK students and building community relationships that lead to internships for students,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “He has been a valued asset to our campus community.”

John has been a valuable member of the St. John Valley community for over half a century. He is a life-long resident of Van Buren where he was a high school teacher and business owner. Married for 46 years and having raised three successful children, John has always been active in his community. He and his wife, Noreen, owned and operated Borderview Rehab and Living Center in Van Buren for many years. After selling Borderview, John stayed on as the Senior Vice President and then Chief Operating Officer with North Country Associates, the Maine firm that purchased the rehab and living center. Having earned a master’s degree in business at 60 years old, John then began teaching business courses at UMPI, UMFK, NMCC, and Husson. He realized he loved teaching at the undergraduate level.

Besides being an adjunct in UMFK’s business program for the last 12 years, John was also a member of the UMFK Foundation Board donating much of his time and giving financial support in helping UMFK achieve its mission. John and his wife, Noreen, also offer a UMFK scholarship in their name. As an adjunct at UMFK, John also took on extra work as an advisor and as a coordinator of business internships.

“John recently decided to leave teaching to enjoy his well-deserved retirement, but the UMFK campus community will always remember him as someone we could count on to go above and beyond for his students,” said President Hedeen.

John also donated much of his financial support to local schools in Van Buren summer soccer clinics. John has served on the Van Buren school board, during which he was chair for several years. He can always be counted on to help raise money to better his community, including his church. John has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years, and he currently serves as the Grand Knight. He also recently published a book about his family history titled, Our Family Heritage: The Stories of Those Who Came Before Us. (2022)

For more information about the Distinguished Service Award or Commencement at UMFK, please go to www.umfk.edu or call (207) 834-7557.

UMFK to Host Bengal Bound Days

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host several, in-person Bengal Bound Days in the next six weeks to bring prospective students to campus. This new take on an open house gives far more flexibility to the prospective students and families who wish to attend.

Prospective students and their families will tour campus, participate in lab experiments, meet UMFK students and faculty, as well as staff from various offices who will be available to answer questions on topics ranging from residential life, career planning and placement, to financial aid.

“As pandemic restrictions are beginning to ease, we knew we had to get back to bringing prospective students to campus,” said interim Dean of Enrollment, Dr. David Tracy. “We know that visiting a college helps a student determine if it has the right fit and feel for them. The pandemic made this difficult for everyone so we’re pushing hard to ramp up student visits to UMFK.”

The day will begin with breakfast and welcomes and then move to academic program sessions. Prospective students will have the option to attend portions of a class or lab so they can experience a snippet of college academics. After lunch they will tour the campus and meet more UMFK students.

Prospective students have the option to bring supporting documents with them for a same-day admissions decision. They will also be able to meet with financial aid representatives and learn about scholarships or simply ask questions. All prospective students will have the opportunity to ask any additional questions about the campus in a wrap-up session at 1:00 p.m.

Bengal Bound Days will take place on: March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22, and April 27. For more information, please contact UMFK’s Admissions office at 207-834-7600 or toll-free at 1-888-879-8635. They can also be reached via email at umfklife@maine.edu.