Posted by Tom Talbott

In Dr. James Herbert, President University of New England we found someone who not only is leading one of Maine’s top schools, but someone who seems very willing to go to work for Maine’s Tourism Board. Migrating to Maine from Philadelphia, Dr. Herbert is in love with our state, and though fully admitting he was from away, yearns to be called a Maine-ah!  

Herbert spoke about the core values that UNE shares with Rotary’s 4-Way Test. Service. Integrity. Diversity. UNE has stayed true to the roots of the founding schools – St. Francis College and Westbrook College, both of which were proudly known for providing access to higher education to the community. A century ago, St. Francis reached out to those working in the nearby mills, and Westbrook was recognized for its high percentage of women who sought a college education.

Many UNE students who have financial needs are supported by Federal Pell Grants. Herbert noted that in the application process, student test scores (SAT’s etc.) are recorded and studied to predict future income potential and earnings. He observed that UNE students are well above the curve in their return on investment, in fact the best school in the state of Maine in that regard. He feels this is due primarily to their offering of studies that are very career oriented, as opposed to a broader based liberal arts programs that have more of a focus on the arts, economics, and language.

(Photo L-R: President Don Zillman, Dr. James Herbert and Bob Martin.)

UNE is proud to have Maine’s only medical and dental schools, which includes pharmacy, nursing, and other health occupations. The contribution to the Maine economy is vibrant, with an annual impact of over 1 billion dollars stemming from 12,000 students and 1300 employees. The impact is felt through unique partnerships, such as the dental school’s ties to Delta Dental. Students who graduate are incentivized to set up practices in rural parts of Maine in return for reductions in their student loans.

UNE has two Maine campuses, Biddeford and Portland, as well as Tangier, Morocco. Understanding that a high percentage of UNE students were from small Maine communities with little or no exposure to the world stage, the Moroccan campus opened in 2014. With the dollar going much further, UNE was able to build a facility with two new buildings at an extremely low cost. Keeping in step with the school’s science and medical curriculum, the campus features excellent science and technical labs, so students can continue with their majors, while at the same time explore an entirely different culture at no extra cost. Most students describe it as a life-changing experience.

Though it is well-positioned, Dr. Herbert outlined the challenges that lie ahead.  Maine continues to lag at the bottom of states in the number of HS students who go on to higher education. Not only does that need to improve, but it also means that the University must continue to expand its reach. This includes NY, mid-Atlantic states, as well as internationally. Other issues include students and parents who question the high costs of college, and the advantages and growing popularity of online degrees. Herbert also noted the staggering level of regulations and accountability from state and federal legislature, growing demands of students for a holistic experience, as well as the effect of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence and the effect that they are having on the job market. Though each concern is a hurdle, Dr. Herbert feels exceedingly strong about UNE’s positioning in the marketplace.

For more information on the programs, campuses, facilities, and student life, please visit: www.une.org.