Julie Eubanks: Outstanding Graduate Student in Higher Education

Julie Eubanks of Brewer, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in the Student Development in Higher Education program in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Julie currently works as Assistant Director of Academic and Student Support Services in the UMaine College of Earth, Life and Health Sciences’ Academic Support Center. She is earning her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.

Why did you choose UMaine for graduate school?

I was drawn to UMaine’s graduate program for a few reasons. As a university employee, I was excited to take advantage of the employee tuition waiver program, which allows staff to take classes tuition-free — a wonderful opportunity for both professional and personal growth.

I chose the Student Development in Higher Education program because, after working on campus for 10 years I realized how much I enjoyed supporting and connecting with college students.

This experience sparked a desire to learn more about the students I work with every day — to better understand their needs, experiences and the broader contexts that shape their time in college. I was particularly excited to explore student development theory and scholarship, and to examine how college environments can both support and hinder student success — especially within the framework of larger systemic challenges.

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?

So many people have made a significant impact on my experience in the graduate program. I should note that I started this program almost 30 years after receiving my undergraduate degree, so starting a graduate program was a real change for me. My advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Allan, has been incredibly supportive and has worked with me to make the program fit within the context of both my professional responsibilities and my family life. Dr. Kathleen Gillon and Dr. Leah Hakkola have been a wonderful source of encouragement, too!

I’m especially grateful to my colleagues at the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences Academic Support Center and my supervisor, Dr. Susan Sullivan, Associate Dean for Instruction. They’ve all shown up for me in countless ways.

What has UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

As someone who works full-time, my experience might look different from other graduate students. However, the higher education program has been a wonderful complement to the work I do on campus supporting students either in the college, or collaborating with colleagues on campus in a variety of student success initiatives. I’ve been introduced to a fantastic community of caring professionals — faculty and staff — some of whom have participated in the program. This really is an awesome community.

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

This might sound simple, but do a few hours of reading and writing every day and break things out into manageable chunks! Looking back, I also wish I had approached my note-taking and organization a little differently. I’m very paper-oriented, and I write everything down, which helps me process information. But when it came time to synthesize literature for capstone or reflect on earlier readings during my internship class, it was hard to track things down. Digitizing my notes, and using a citation management system would have saved me a lot of time!

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

I plan to continue my work in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences Academic Support Center, where I’ve found meaningful opportunities to support students. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with colleagues in the UMaine Division of Student Life — particularly during my internship at the Career Center — and I’m excited to continue building those connections. This degree has helped broaden my perspective and skill set, and I love that it positions me to explore a range of roles in higher education moving forward.

Special Thank you Message

I’m incredibly lucky to have had the support of so many dear friends and family members, especially during the moments when I felt overwhelmed and considered stepping away from graduate school. But the biggest thanks go to my husband, Nelson. Over the past four years, he has taken on so much — carpools, dinners, housework, dog duties, etc. and I’m so grateful for his constant support.

I also want to thank my daughter, Lily. As she prepares to start her own college journey, it’s been really meaningful to navigate our educational paths side by side. The timing has brought both challenges and joy, and I’m so proud of her.