Kacey Gardner of Glenburn, Maine is an elementary education major with a concentration in special education and a minor in interdisciplinary disability studies. Kacey is serving as a College of Education and Human Development student ambassador during the 2026-27 academic year.
The college’s student ambassadors are called APPLs, which stands for Academic Professional Peer Leaders. They represent the college at various University of Maine events, including open houses and accepted student days. They also promote the activities of the college to alumni, donors, faculty and administrators. Learn more about the program at our Advising Center page.
Here’s a little more about Kacey:
Why did you want to be an APPL?
I wanted to be an APPL to give the incoming freshman can have someone that they know and can look up to, someone who they can always count on to reach out to when they need it.
How do you think this experience will help you in the classroom and in your career after you graduate?
I think that this experience will help me in when I become a teacher and have my own classroom, because I am learning to work with different types of people, getting to know names and coming up with fun activities to keep students engaged.
What activities are you most excited about doing as an APPL?
Bridge Week was amazing. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with this year’s freshmen just helping them get used to college.
What other activities, groups or clubs are you involved with at UMaine?
None, unfortunately. But that is one thing I say to our freshmen, is that I wish I got involved with more things happening on campus.
Any advice for other students considering becoming an APPL or getting involved with other groups or activities on campus?
Do it! It is such an amazing opportunity to be a person that incoming students look up to.
What’s your favorite spot on campus, in Orono or in Maine?
I love the library. There are so many different spots to study, and I love meeting up with friends to work together on projects.
Hometown: Glenburn, Maine
Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Elementary Education (Special Education concentration)
