Student Success
The University of Maine at Farmington proudly showcases student success through the stories and achievements of its students. These narratives highlight how UMF students excel academically, creatively, and professionally while engaging in meaningful research, internships, leadership, service, and experiential learning opportunities. Supported by close faculty mentorship and a strong sense of community, UMF students are empowered to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and prepare for life beyond graduation. Together, these stories reflect the impact of a student-centered education and celebrate the diverse paths our students take toward success.
Wondering if UMF is Right for You?
With the support and guidance of our dedicated advisors and faculty, many students have gone on to achieve their professional and personal goals. If you have some college credits, are looking to complete your bachelor’s degree, and want more out of your career, you’ll feel right at home here.
But don’t just take our word for it — the stories of our students will show you what’s possible.
Brandi Rideout’s Story
I transferred to UMF from the University of Southern Maine and immediately felt a difference—the town, the campus, and the strong sense of community made UMF feel like home. My time there was truly transformational. As a shy and introverted student, I found guidance, mentorship, and a circle of friends who helped me grow, take risks, and
thrive.
At UMF, I found my passion for leadership and community-building through athletics, academics, and mentorship. As a two-sport athlete and work-study student in the athletics department, I gained broad exposure to campus life and learned the value of connecting people and ideas. Supportive mentors and hands-on experiences shaped my path into higher education and athletics administration, leading to leadership roles at institutions including the University of Maine, Upper Iowa University, and MSU Denver. Today, as Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at MSU Denver, I lead global alumni engagement efforts, build inclusive programs, strengthen volunteer networks, and teach Sport Event Management—continuing the community-focused work I began at UMF.
My advice to current students: get involved, meet people, seek mentorship, and soak up every opportunity. Everything you do at UMF can shape not only your career but also who you become.
Jillian Taormina’s Story
“The small-town feeling and close-knit community of UMF really made the school feel like a home away from home. The small class sizes made it easy for me to get to know my professors on a personal level, and these connections are largely responsible for my continued success after graduating.”
There are endless opportunities for students to get involved both on and off campus. As an anthropology and biology double major, almost every class I took utilized the natural environment around campus to teach core concepts and fueled my interest in my field. Further, working as a tutor at Mantor Library ignited a passion for helping my peers succeed and allowed me to take on leadership roles in a supportive environment. The mentorship I received prepared me for and directly led to a summer position as a research assistant at Colby College, as well as my current position as a post-baccalaureate scholar at the University of Connecticut, continuing to research the topics that I fell in love with as an undergraduate student.
“The most important thing I learned at UMF was to take chances! Even a seemingly small choice can have a major impact on your time as a student and beyond.”