Owen Mild: Outstanding Graduate Student in Kinesiology and Physical Education

Owen Mild of Tremont, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in Kinesiology and Physical Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. A student athlete on the track and field team (200- and 400-meter, and 4 x 400-meter relay), Mild is earning his Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Exercise Science. For the past two years, Mild has served as graduate teaching assistant for the KPE 253: Lifetime Fitness and Health course. He also taught the KPE 376: Kinesiology course. Prior to earning his M.Ed., Mild graduated from UMaine with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Why did you choose UMaine for graduate school?

One of the primary reasons I chose to continue my postsecondary education at the University of Maine was how much this school means to me. Additionally, I was given an opportunity to be Dr. Robert Lehnhard’s graduate assistant to learn from him and teach undergraduate students while preparing myself for the next step in my academic journey.

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?

Many people have made these two years everything they have been and made a positive impact on me and helped me, especially when I was given an opportunity to take full responsibility for the KPE 376: Kinesiology course. Jesse Kaye-Schiess, Shannan Fotter, Dr. Alicia Lacy, Dr. Chris Nightingale and Dr. Shannon Wright all have been a sounding board for me and have demonstrated how to appropriately and effectively instruct and care for students. They work hard and care about the program they have built here, which is producing students who will make the world a better place. Jen McNulty has helped make Lengyel Hall feel like home and has also served a huge role in shaping my education and skills as an instructor. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention Dr. Lehnhard, one of the most influential role models I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know in my young adult life. He has taught me much more about life than he has about kinesiology or glycolysis, and I learned a lot about that. I would also like to highlight Diane Legrande, the administrative specialist for the School of Kinesiology, Physical Education and Athletic Training. This school would not be the same without her and she has without question made my personal life and work life easier in the last two years.

What has UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

The University of Maine allowed me to compete in track and field at the Division I level and meet people who I will have as friends for the rest of my life.

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

Any incoming graduate students must be aware that they are in full control of their destiny. It sounds corny but this statement — “Academics, and life, are what you make of it” — is true to its core.

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

After graduation, I plan to temporarily work as an EMT to serve my community and obtain valuable experience for my future in medical school and as a physician.

Special thank you message:

I would like to extend a special thank you to my family. Without them I would not be here today.