UMaine Humanities Initiative Cited in Press Herald Editorial, MPBN Segment

A Portland Press Herald editorial titled “The humanities still teach marketable skills,” cited the importance of the University of Maine Humanities Initiative, a new effort by UMaine to reach out to schools, businesses and cultural institutions to make the case for an education based in the humanities. The editorial stated the initiative and a new report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences make the case that a liberal arts education — including critical thinking and communication skills — serve graduates well in a rapidly changing world. The Maine Public Broadcasting Network also aired a “Maine Calling” segment about the importance of humanities and UMaine’s initiative. The segment included interviews with Jeffrey Hecker, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of the University of Maine; and Brian Naylor, an NPR Washington Desk Correspondent, UMaine alumnus and UMaine Humanities Initiative board member.