University of Maine Graduate Programs in Higher Education

05/14/2026

Congratulations to the class of 2026!

05/01/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Orlina Boteva on being named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Higher Education in the UMaine College of Education and Human Development!

Read more here: https://umaine.edu/edhd/2026/04/22/orlina-boteva-outstanding-graduate-student-in-higher-education/

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Tasia Lima on the successful defense of her dissertation on April 17th: Women Title IX Professionals in Higher Education: Occupational Experience, Gendered Power, and the Wellness Impacts of the Work and the Role.

This qualitative study used a critical phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of women Title IX professionals at public universities across the United States. By centering the voices of women who occupy this uniquely complex role — at the intersection of compliance, equity work, and trauma-informed response — Dr. Lima’s research contributes important insights into how institutions can better support and sustain Title IX professionals while advancing gender equity and student well-being.

Thank you also to her committee members, Dr. Kathleen Gillon (chair), Dr. Elizabeth Allan, Dr. Leah Hakkola, Dr. Sharyn Potter, and Dr. Cameron Beatty for their support.

04/09/2026

Olivia Adams is a first-year student in the Student Development in Higher Education master's program at the University of Maine. She joined the program after earning her bachelor's degree in secondary education at UMaine. Olivia is currently a graduate assistant in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Originally from Lowell, Massachusetts, next year Olivia plans to take advantage of the higher ed program's option to take courses virtually. She'll be moving back to Massachusetts, and working at an institution closer to home, while taking online classes. Check out our website to learn more about our master's program in Student Development in Higher Education!

04/09/2026

03/11/2026

Celebrating Dr. Elizabeth Allan, as she officially receives her award plaque at the NASPA Annual Conference in Kansas City! A well-deserved recognition for her leadership and impact in the field.

03/02/2026

We welcome highlights of jobs, personal achievements, conferences, events, and publications.

Please submit them using this link: https://forms.gle/vifYURMrdPTbawNz7

In case you missed it, you can find our previous newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/8d86af293ab0/umaine-hed-program-winter-2025-newsletter-6747446

The deadline is Monday, March 9.

02/26/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Orlina Boteva for being this year's recipient of the Dr. Sue Estler Distinguished Alumnx Award.

This award is given by the University of Maine's Higher Education graduate programs in honor of Dr. Suzanne E. Estler, Associate Professor, Emeritus of Higher Education.

Dr. Boteva (M.Ed '05, PhD '26) is the Director of the Office of International Programs at the University of Maine.