Cam McDonnell: Outstanding Graduate Student in Instructional Technology

Cam McDonnell is the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in Instructional Technology in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Originally from Greenfield, Indiana, McDonnell moved to Maine as fast as she could. Previously, she earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Student Development in Higher Education and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Peace and Reconciliation Studies) from UMaine. She is earning an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Instructional Technology. McDonnell currently works as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias.

Why did you choose UMaine for graduate school?

Maine offered horizons and opportunities I did not find elsewhere.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor, or role model who made your time at UMaine better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at UMaine?

Dr. Mia Morrison! Mia has been instrumental to my success in Instructional Technology. I took some time away in the middle of my coursework, and when I was ready to come back, Mia and her team had open arms. Her compassion has been evident throughout my time in the program. 

What has UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Beyond the beauty the state has to offer, I feel like UMaine pushed me to be my most authentic self in any professional context — especially when teaching/instructing a class.

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

Ask questions of everyone! Not simply on the material; ask someone how their day was and what their story is. Check in even if you haven’t bumped into (or taken a course with) someone in a while. Build your personal support network to rely on throughout your enrollment, and never trick yourself into feeling like a burden.

What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

As I graduate, I plan on empowering my current professional capacities to build online bridges to meet students where they are in their development of what constitutes healthy, consensual relationships.

Special thank you message:

My sincerest gratitude to Mia Morrison, the Instructional Technology faculty, my peers throughout the world of education (PK-16), and my partner for their support throughout my time in the program.