University of New England

Nexus

Message from the President

Spring is a time of renewal, growth and change. As the sun’s rays melt the snow here in Maine, UNE is experiencing a season of transition and remarkable growth. Anne Bradstreet, considered the first American poet, once said, “If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.”

The University recently experienced a time of difficulty and sorrow with the loss of two beloved long-time supporters, advisors and leaders. P.D. Merrill, HON ’00, trustee and former Board chair, was instrumental in helping with the merger with Westbrook College in 1996, as well as encouraging the university’s overall growth. Louise Parker James ’43, former trustee for both Westbrook College and UNE, maintained her passion for her former alma mater after the merger, lending her name to the Parker Pavilion. Friends to the institution and many at UNE, P.D. and Louise will be truly missed. They leave a legacy of service and commitment.

New leaders have been hired to accomplish the work begun by P.D., Louise and others who have helped build the Westbrook College Campus and continue UNE’s mission of service to the community. I am happy to introduce two new faces to the UNE community, both located on the WCC – David Ward, Ph.D., new dean of the College of Health Professions, and John Cormier, Ph.D., founding dean of the newly established College of Pharmacy. I previously worked with both at the Medical University of South Carolina and am confident that they bring strength and leadership to their new positions.

Two new administrative positions have also been created. Jacque Carter, Ph.D. was named provost in addition to his title of vice president of academic affairs, and Ellen Beaulieu, Ph.D. was appointed associate provost for planning and assessment. They both have been longtime members of the University community, and I am confident they will excel at their new positions and bring new ideas and energy to the University’s administration.

Impacting our University Campus with the addition of our first pharmacy students next fall and our Westbrook College Campus with plans for new programs to begin in 2009 is the recently announced College of Pharmacy. With a critical shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy programs in New England, UNE is set to provide key access to healthcare training for hundreds of students. With Dean Cormier on board, and students admitted for the pre-pharmacy program, we are well on our way to establishing the first college of pharmacy in the state of Maine.

The University is also beginning our Strategic Planning Process. Our last plan was done a decade ago, and we are now planning for the next decade. “What kind of University do we want to be in 10 years time?” is an interesting question and one that is critical for us to address. We want to take the best forward and continue to grow and improve as an institution.

This issue of the Nexus celebrates the new beginnings of UNE. We say a fond farewell to those who have left us but remain in spirit, and look to the future with excitement. I hope that each of you feels the same about UNE’s progress and are proud to be a part of such a vibrant and remarkable university.

DANIELLE N. RIPICH, PH.D.
President

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