With 30,862 square miles and a population of only 1.3 million, the economy in Maine is challenging to say the least, but the University of New England sees this as a prime opportunity to make a change for the better.

The University of New England is one of the 100th largest businesses and the 12th largest employer in the Pine State with an operating budget between $110 million and $120 million and 660 full- and part-time staff between its Biddeford and Portland campuses. According to Dr. Danielle Ripich, president, the university has an economic impact on the state between $250 million and $300 million.

Although UNE considers itself a liberal arts institution with degree programs in health sciences, natural sciences, human services, management, education, and liberal arts, it educates more health professionals than any other college or university in Maine and is home to the state’s only medical school, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. It is also the only institution of higher education in the state to offer a Master of Science physician assistant program, a Master of Science nurse anesthesia program, and a post-baccalaureate certificate program in gerontology and addictions counseling.

Dr. Danielle Ripich

“UNE has always been entrepreneurial, taking advantage of opportunities to improve the quality of life in Maine. We are an important element to the healthcare workforce in the state, which is important given its population,” said Ripich.

In response to the state-wide shortage of pharmacists, the university is accepting pre-pharmacy students this fall and will open the UNE College of Pharmacy in 2009. “Currently, the state lacks a college of pharmacy, and we felt that was the most significant workforce shortage.”

In addition to working with a number of hospitals in Maine to support the College of Pharmacy, UNE has requested funding from Hannaford, a supermarket chain with 159 locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. “You don’t typically think of a university and a supermarket chain as having similar core values, but we are both dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in New England,” said Ripich, adding that the College of Pharmacy would eventually provide Hannaford with much needed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. “The company has spent a significant amount of money and time driving employees from location to location just to ensure adequate coverage.”

Experiencing life
UNE’s Biddeford campus is located at the junction of the Saco River and the Atlantic Ocean and boasts of old New England charm, and its Westbrook College campus in Portland, the largest city in Maine based on population, is a hub of activity. Both attract students from all over the US. Students are also enticed by a student/faculty ratio of 12:1, abundant clubs and social activities, and a strong athletics program.

To guide students through their college years, UNE developed the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Experience programs. The Freshman Experience program assists students as they transition out of the home and into a campus living environment, while the Sophomore Experience program helps students understand themselves better as they delve into major coursework. Juniors learn how to live more independently and participate in community projects, and the Senior Experience program prepares students for life outside of the university setting. “It’s a mini course on life that we believe helps students transition into adulthood and become contributing citizens of the greater community,” said Ripich.

The programs are mandatory and are provided through the residence halls and student services. “The Experience programs are organized outside the classroom. They are another way to get students to interact in groups that are not related
to their majors.”

Ripich noted that the experience programs have contributed to increased student retention that has resulted in a record number of returning students in 2007. “We have seen double-digit growth over the past five years. Consequently, we are going to have more students on campus, so we are looking at doing additional activity programming,” she said.

The university received a grant from the MELMAC Education Foundation as part of a state-wide initiative to increase student retention. According to Ripich, Maine has one of the “oldest” populations in the country and needs to retain its youth for economic sustainability. Using MELMAC funds, UNE is developing several new social programs. “By creating a stronger social environment, our students feel connected to the university—but it’s more than that. We are always studying workforce trends and providing our students with educational programs that result in solid job opportunities.”

Hail to the chief
UNE is currently embarking on a multi-year technology upgrade, the first phase of which will include replacing the university’s basic IT infrastructure, as well as creating high-tech classrooms. It also has plans for a cyber café/learning commons as part of the George and Barbara Bush Center, which will break ground October 1.

Ripich explained that UNE’s Biddeford campus is a mere seven miles from former President Bush’s home in Kennebunkport. When complete, the former president is expected to visit the campus frequently, as it will have ties to his presidential library at Texas A&M and will be equipped with video conferencing technology to keep him connected with the world. “You would expect he’d have all this in his home, but when he comes to Maine, he will use our IT connections,” said Ripich, adding that since the campus is on the banks of the Saco River, she has hopes the former president will visit by boat often. “He can just pull up at our dock.”

Former President Bush has been an avid supporter of the library, garnering funds and donating memorabilia and photographs of his life in Maine for rotating exhibits. “He has spent part of every year of his life in Maine, except when he was a fighter pilot in World War II, and has been a speaker at our commencement. It is an honor to build a library in his name,” Ripich concluded.