Strategic Re-Envisioning Update — July 9

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias colleagues,

Last week, our Strategic Re-envisioning (SRE) initiative co-leads, project directors, and Provost’s Fellows gathered for their first meeting. I look forward to sharing more about their work later this month. In the meantime, Project Director Sabrina DeTurk and Associate Director James Beaupre will offer their outlook as the committee’s work begins to take shape. I extend my thanks to the committee for their time and commitment to this process. 

Sincerely,

Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President

Dear UMaine and UMaine Machias communities,

If you’ve been following the initial stages of the Strategic Re-Envisioning process, you’ve heard or read many times that higher education is at an unprecedented moment of change. The opportunity to confront that change head-on, to think creatively about what UMaine should look like in the future, and to work with colleagues, under the leadership of President Ferrini-Mundy, who are equally committed to the success and growth of this institution is what excites us about this initiative.

We’ve been working to assemble an outstanding team of Provost Fellows who will explore potential opportunities for re-envisioning aspects of our university in areas that include teaching, learning, research, infrastructure, finance, and student experience. Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear more about that work, including ways you can provide feedback and shape the process. You can use this form to submit comments and volunteer to help. We will be checking it regularly.

When our entire community returns in September, there will be campus communications about the work done over the summer as well as multiple opportunities to make your voice heard. We will share more information on that part of the process in late August. 

This initiative’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity resonates deeply with us both. We all know that the world our students will live, work, and play in will look different than the one we live in today. We look forward to coming together to ensure that our university is preparing them for success – in their research and in service to their communities – in that new world. We are deeply committed to the institution’s future and this process represents a significant opportunity for UMaine and UMaine Machias to align its resources and efforts towards a dynamic and sustainable future.

Sincerely,

Sabrina DeTurk
SRE Project Director

James Beaupre
SRE Associate Project Director