UMaine chosen to host emerging African leaders, BDN reports
The Bangor Daily News reported the University of Maine will be one of 37 U.S. academic institutions to host emerging leaders from sub-Saharan Africa scheduled to visit the United States this summer under the Mandela Washington Fellowship. In mid-June, 25 people ages 25–35 will come to UMaine for a six-week academic and leadership institute meant to help the participants study business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership and public management and build networks, according to the article. In all, 1,000 fellows — selected for the program from more than 43,000 applicants — will visit the U.S. Participants were picked based on their potential for directing and influencing the economies and politics of their nations and region, the article states. “UMaine is a place where new and exciting ideas are shared each and every day, and by bringing some of the best and brightest future leaders from Africa to share their perspectives and learn from experts here in Maine, this valuable cultural exchange program will benefit everyone involved,” said U.S. Sen. Angus King. Carol Kim, UMaine vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School, will co-lead the institute with Jonathan Rubin, professor of economics with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, and Daniel Dixon, director of sustainability.