In this month’s missive from a member of the University’s leadership team, President Edward Serna answers a question he gets a lot these days.
Dear Alumni and Friends of UMF,
As I approach the end of my fourth month as President of the University of Maine at Farmington, I find myself reflecting on the hundreds of encounters I’ve had with alumni, state and local leaders, and members of our community. In nearly all of these meetings, many held in pursuit of strategic partnerships that will strengthen the University, people have asked me a question that belies their love of and deep personal investment in UMF: What can I do to help?
It is, hands down, the best query a university president could hope to receive.
Dr. Edward Serna, President of the University of Maine at Farmington
So, here and now, I want to share with you my answers: five simple, low- or no-cost ways you, as alumni, can help extend the reach of our reputational strength and position the University for even more success this year.
1) Make sure the college-bound people in your social sphere are aware of UMF and its desirability. As I write to you, Director of Admissions Lisa Ellrich and her team of Admissions representatives are criss-crossing New England and states as far south as Virginia to recruit and admit the Class of 2024. The Admissions team will visit more than 750 high schools and college fairs, speaking with accomplished students who are interested in our challenging academic programs and all the distinctive recreational and internship opportunities western Maine has to offer. But Lisa and her team cannot be everywhere.
By recommending Farmington to the college-bound people you know, you can be a force multiplier for our efforts to reach future generations of UMF students.
If you would like to become an informal Alumni-in-Admissions volunteer, here’s a website with specific action steps you can take to help connect the students you think would be a good fit for Farmington. And for those of you with college-bound children and grandchildren who live out-of-state, don’t forget about our Farmington is Family Tuition Discount that results in savings of more than $43,000 over your child or grandchild’s four years at UMF.
2) Become well-versed in UMF’s ever-growing list of accolades and successes — and don’t be bashful about spreading the news. This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked UMF No. 2 among Best Colleges for Veterans, No. 3 among those cited as a Best Value College, No. 5 among Top Public Colleges, and No. 8 among Top Regional Colleges in the North — Public and Private. USNWR also ranked UMF No. 11 in a distinct new category this year that ranks Top Performers on Social Mobility. This category measures the graduation success of students receiving Pell Grants and recognizes how well schools graduated students coming from households with incomes less than $50,000 annually. UMF was also named a “Best Bang for the Buck” college this year by Washington Monthly. This is the 10th year in a row UMF has been recognized by the publication as a smart, well-run college that helps students earn a high-quality diploma at an affordable price. What’s more, UMF is the only Maine college among the top 18 institutions in this Washington Monthly category.
3) Follow, like, and share. The University’s official social media accounts — @UMaineFarmington on Facebook and @umainefarmington on Instagram — are rife with pictures, stories, and multimedia content that reflect the purpose and energy of the campus community. Some of our highly engaging posts reach upwards of 40,000 people. When you see something on our social media channels that gives you joy and strengthens the pride you take in your alma mater, I encourage you to give it a boost by liking and sharing. A few clicks now and again is all it takes. When you do so, you will help the world see the power and value of a UMF education.
4) Make a contribution of any size. If it hasn’t reached your mailbox already, you will likely soon receive the annual fall solicitation letter from UMF’s Ferro Alumni Center. As you give it a look, please keep in mind that your contribution of any size to the UMF Fund or UMF Scholarship Fund provides the University with the resources to help ensure the power of a UMF education remains within reach of students, regardless of their means. About 50 percent of our students are the first in their families to seek a four-year degree, and nearly all of our students require some form of financial support to be enrolled at UMF. Your contribution is an impactful way to pay it forward to the next generation of UMF students. And I have one related suggestion: Have some fun with your contribution by making a gift in honor of your BFF (Best Farmington Friend). When you make a contribution in honor of a classmate, professor, coach, or staff member, we’ll let that individual know that you have done so. It’s a powerful way to say thanks to the person who helped define and give vibrancy to your UMF experience.
5) Let the world know you went to UMF. We’re Maine’s first public institution of higher education and the state’s first public institution of higher education for teacher preparation. Our distinguished alumni include countless highly successful educators, corporate leaders, coaches, counselors, entrepreneurs, journalists, artists, scientists, and writers. As a graduate, you know first-hand that UMF alumni are among the smartest, hardest-working, and least pretentious people making vital contributions in the workplace and in their communities. Let the world know you went to UMF by listing your alma mater on LinkedIn and telling others of your positive experiences with the University. And if you own some UMF spirit gear, please join me in showing your Beaver Pride by wearing that ball cap, t-shirt, or sweatshirt early and often.
By now, you’ve probably heard the expression that it takes a lot of sticks to build and maintain a sturdy beaver lodge. The wonderful reality is that the sticks don’t have to be big to make a big difference. Doing these five low- or no-cost things will make an impact on our ability to attract prospective students and provide them with the resources they need to reach their potential at UMF.
Thank you for your continued engagement and your ongoing commitment to the success of the University and our students.
Go Beavers!
Edward Serna
President
Dr. Edward Serna began serving the University as its 15th president on July 1. He came to UMF from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS), where he served as interim chancellor. His work at UAFS, a public, four-year university with an enrollment of 6,600 students and an annual budget of $80 million, has included leading initiatives focused on student success, student retention, and data-driven innovation. He received a doctorate of education in higher education from the University of Alabama, a master’s in management information systems from Auburn University, a master of science in industrial management from Clemson University, and a bachelor of science in business administration from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. After working as a senior business analyst and strategic management consultant in the private sector, Dr. Serna entered higher education as an assistant professor of management in Athens State University’s College of Business. Prior to serving as interim chancellor at UAFS, he was chief of staff and associate vice chancellor for external funding and chief of staff and vice chancellor for strategic initiatives.