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Encomium: A Celebration of the UMF Community

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Encomium: A Celebration of t...

Recognizing What and Who Make UMF Special

Encomium is UMF’s centralized space for recognizing and celebrating the achievements, contributions, and dedication of our students, staff, faculty, and campus partners. Through stories, highlights, and historical records, Encomium documents what we value and honors the people and programs that strengthen our academic and campus community

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New UMF Staff

Meet some of the newest members of our campus community and learn more about the people helping UMF move forward.

Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost

Director of Student Life

Andrew Willihan ’06

Andrew Willihan ’06

Director of Major Gifts

Jasmine Olivares

Jasmine Olivares

Coordinator of Housing and Student Activities

Thomas Brann ’25

Thomas Brann ’25

Area Director for Scott Complex

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Brianna Hinkley ’21

Brianna Hinkley ’21

Administrative Specialist CL2

Victoria Davenport

Victoria Davenport

Admissions Specialist

Administrative Specialist

Celebrating UMF

Young woman smiling in front of a map of the world

UMF student selected as Peace Corps Campus Ambassador by national program

October 19, 2026

FARMINGTON, ME (October 19, 2026)—Maygin Leighton, a University of Maine at Farmington junior from Baileyville, has been selected by the national Peace Corps program to serve as UMF’s Peace Corps Campus Ambassador. Leighton is a biology major with minors in…

Maroon University of Maine Farmington banner on a lamppost with orange autumn leaves in the background.

UMF in the News: Farmington-area school district technology specialist, and UMF alumna, earns state award

October 17, 2026

According to a recent article in the Franklin Journal Nicole Lesperance, technology integration specialist and training coordinator for Regional School Unit 9, has received the 2026 ACHIEVE Award from the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine, recognizing…

Young woman in a brown blouse seated outside

Maygin Lee Leighton – Expanding Horizons: Maygin’s Journey to International Service

October 16, 2026

Maygin Lee Leighton of Baileyville, Maine has never left New England, but that’s not stopping her from planning to join the Peace Corps after college. Currently, Maygin studies Biology and has minors in Climate Change Solutions and International…

Maine’s public universities offer $250 scholarships to 24,500 Alfond Grant recipients

October 14, 2026

Original press release issued by the University of Maine System on October 7, 2026 The University of Maine System is the most affordable in New England, and hopes the new scholarship will raise aspirations and help keep…

Sign reading University of Maine Farmington at campus entrance with a brick building and trees in the background.

UMF presents 20th annual Constitution Day U.S. Supreme Court Case Review, Oct. 14

October 07, 2026

FARMINGTON, ME (October 7, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington is excited to commemorate Constitution Day 2026 with its 20th annual U.S. Supreme Court Preview and Review. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at 12:30…

UMF in the News: Fall color settles over Prescott Field

October 07, 2026

Peak foliage is surrounding UMF’s Prescott Field according to a recent article in the Sun Journal. Autumn colors frame Prescott Field in Farmington on Oct. 2, with fallen leaves covering the trail and trees along the edge of…

Male professor and female student preparing samples in biology lab

UMF and Northeastern University create pathway to a Master’s degree in Biotechnology at the Roux Institute to help students advance their careers

October 06, 2026

FARMINGTON, ME (October 6, 2026)— The University of Maine at Farmington and Northeastern University have created an accelerated pathway for full-time UMF undergraduate students majoring in biology to earn their master’s in biotechnology. Beginning in Fall 2026,…

Alumni Spotlights

Brunette woman with long bob standing behind table with purple table cloth and Family Violence Project table display

Rooted in Compassion: How UMF Shaped Tabitha Ryan’s Work as an Educator and Advocate

October 13, 2026

Tabitha Ryan (2005) majored in Early Childhood Education and Psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington following her passion for helping children and their families. During her studies, Tabitha gravitated towards Melissa Clawson’s philosophy of education…

Smiling woman in a striped shirt holding a back-to-school poster in a cozy room with bookshelves and hanging fairy lights behind her.

Dani Faltraco ‘24: Teaching Through Connection

September 30, 2026

For UMF graduate Dani Faltraco ’24, who earned her degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English, one of the most meaningful parts of teaching begins long before a student ever gives an…

Woman in a navy blazer and floral skirt standing in a parking lot on a sunny day, smiling at the camera with sunglasses and a burgundy handbag.

Challenges and Success: Jodi Philippon’s (‘89) UMF Story

September 25, 2026

“I was looking for a program in which I would end up helping others in a meaningful way.” When getting ready to apply to colleges, Jodi Philippon ‘89, a Lewiston local, was already familiar with the University of…

Bearded man in a navy shirt sits on a desk in a classroom, holding a large illustrated poster about teaching. A U.S. flag hangs by windows behind him.

Tyler Brown ’16: Bringing Curiosity Into the Classroom

September 21, 2026

“Bring your curiosity,” Tyler Brown ’16 tells his students at Mt. Blue High School. As a History teacher, he wants his students to do more than memorize dates and names. He puts them at the center of their own…

Newsletter Archives

Access past UMF monthly updates that build a stronger UMF community and foster belonging.

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