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UMaine Machias leaders present enrollment, program and facilities updates to trustees
Summary
Campus leaders described enrollment gains, program development (including nursing and pre‑engineering), community partnerships and capital projects at the University of Maine at Machias, telling trustees the regional campus is increasing retention and expanding workforce connections.
University of Maine at Machias leaders briefed the University of Maine System Board of Trustees on campus performance, student demographics, program growth and ongoing capital projects during a scheduled presentation.
Dean and Campus Director Megan Walsh and President Ferrani Mundy (presenting on behalf of the University of Maine leadership) described the campus as a regional hub with a diverse set of learners and programs. Among the statistics presented: Walsh said 67% of students enrolled in Machias programs are female, 53% are first‑generation college students, and 55% receive Pell grants. She reported that Machias delivers roughly 10,000 student credit hours annually — "just under 10% of total undergraduate credit hours at the University of Maine," she said — and that the campus had a $420,000 surplus in FY25.
Walsh highlighted several academic and workforce initiatives: a new pre‑engineering pathway through the Maine College of Engineering and Computing; a flexible 90‑credit Bachelor of College Studies proposal under review; an expanded online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Community Studies; and the Downeast Nursing Partnership with the University of Maine at Augusta, which Walsh described as a low‑residency route allowing Washington County students to earn a UMA Bachelor of Science in Nursing while also receiving a University of Maine at Machias degree and campus support.
The campus’s Downeast Institute — presented by Kyle Pepperman, executive director — was described as a world‑class marine research station that supports undergraduates, local K‑12 education and applied aquaculture and shellfish projects. Walsh said the campus is spending down approximately $4.2 million in state funds allocated for deferred maintenance and capital projects and that the Reynolds Murdoch Fitness and Aquatic Center now operates at break‑even.
Students and faculty accomplishments were noted: Walsh said 86% of full‑time faculty hold PhDs and highlighted faculty grant activity and student internships (Walsh said 69% of students complete at least one internship or co‑op experience). Student speakers at the meeting described the value of small classes and field work; student representative Isabella (Izzy) Bouchard said the campus’s hands‑on instruction influenced her decision to stay. "I really loved the hands‑on experience that I got and the small classroom sizes," Bouchard said.
Trustees asked questions about out‑of‑state enrollment, transfer pathways with community colleges, adult learners and internship participation. Walsh said 46% of incoming first‑time, full‑time fall 2025 students were from out of state and reported a 23% increase in retention and a 10% increase in four‑year graduation rate over the prior five years.
Ending: Trustees praised the presentation and asked staff to follow up on some performance metrics; no formal board action was recorded on the campus presentation.
