UMF’s President Foster named one of ’50 Mainers Charting the State’s Future’

3 mins read
UMF President Kathryn A. Foster
UMF President Kathryn A. Foster

FARMINGTON – University of Maine at Farmington President Kathryn A. Foster was recently named as one of “50 Mainers Charting the State’s Future” by Maine magazine. This annual distinction by the uniquely Maine publication spotlights the state’s creative visionaries and bold leaders who are “building upon the state’s numerous assets and finding ways to leverage them to improve the lives of others.”

“Every July, Maine magazine highlights the work of extraordinary Mainers who make our state a better place to live. The individuals who rise to the top of our list every year prove that there are many definitions of the word leader,” said Kelly Chase, the magazine’s managing editor.

Foster’s profile points to her purposeful work developing a new strategic plan for the college that is laying the groundwork for UMF to reinforce its mission as a small public liberal arts college. The birthplace of public higher education in Maine, UMF is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, affordability and graduates’ positive career outcomes.

Among its goals, Foster’s plan underscores the college’s location in a vibrant small town in the heart of the western Maine mountains—a place valuable for its outdoor lifestyle, close connection to the community and rich natural resources.

A road map for the future, the plan recognizes the increasing importance of UMF as a valuable regional partner and ways it can take advantage of its location in the development of new academic programming, student experiential learning and continuing environmentally sustainable initiatives.

“President Foster is a great leader who understands the transformative power of education,” said James H. Page, chancellor of the University of Maine System. “Kate and her team are working to ensure UMF maintains its standing as one of the country’s top public liberal arts colleges. In addition, Kate is a key player in helping define and lead One University as we work to provide statewide access to quality, affordable education and as we build capacity to better meet state needs.”

Foster was named president of the University of Maine at Farmington in 2012. Included in her key accomplishments at the University’s helm are: an increase of over 300 percent in paid student internships; a reinvigorated commitment to four-season outdoor recreational and career opportunities; and a long-term investment in environmentally-responsible and sustainable practices with the construction of the largest single biomass hot water heating plant in Maine that replaces 95 percent of the heating oil formerly required to heat the campus with locally-sourced, sustainable wood chips.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

2 Comments

  1. Very proud to have UMF – – and its leaders, faculty, staff, and students – – in our community. Important and appreciated!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.