UMF offers new River Studies Certificate in partnership with the River Management Society for students to explore careers managing and protecting rivers

FARMINGTON, ME  (January 29, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) has partnered with the River Management Society (RMS) to offer the River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC), creating opportunities for students to explore the multi-disciplinary foundations of careers studying, managing and protecting rivers.

“We’re excited to welcome the University of Maine at Farmington to the RSLC network and to support the students who will become tomorrow’s river stewards,” says Risa Shimoda, RMS Executive Director. “The RSLC exposes students to a range of career pathways, connects them with experts working in river-related fields, and gives them hands-on experience. The broad foundation this program provides helps prepare them to tackle today’s pressing river management challenges.”

Students enrolled in the RSLC program study river systems in ways that integrate the life and earth sciences, policy and conservation, socio-cultural and economic factors, as well as education and recreation. They complete at least one geospatial information systems (GIS) course and a river safety requirement, in addition to other courses they choose in an area of emphasis. Students are encouraged to attend RMS’ online and in-person events and will share their own project with a national community of river professionals.

“I’m thrilled to bring the RSLC certificate to the Northeast, with our new partnership between UMF and RMS,” says Rachel Hovel, Associate Professor and RSLC Advisor at UMF. “Our region is rich in river ecosystems, and this certificate is an excellent fit for students in our outdoor recreation, ecology and environmental sciences, environmental education, and policy and planning areas of study. However, it is valuable for anyone, whether they are current students or returning for an additional credential, who would benefit from connecting to a nationwide network of river professionals and career support.”

For more information on the UMF program visit https://farmington.edu/river-studies-and-leadership-certificate/

Students interested in enrolling in the RSLC program at UMF should contact Rachel Hovel at rachel.hovel@maine.edu. Visit https://www.river-management.org/river-studies-leadership for more information on the River Management Society and the certificate.

The River Management Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to “to support the professionals that study, protect, and manage North America’s rivers”

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized regional public university, the University of Maine at Farmington is known for its commitment to teacher preparation, the creative arts, health and science, environmental studies, business and public service. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF provides a challenging but welcoming academic community—here in Farmington and online—that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/01/RP256-020A.webp
Photo Caption: UMF students measure stream flow near a river restoration site.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/01/RP256-020B.webp
Photo Caption: Rachel Hovel
Photo Credit: UMF Image