A bird's eye view shot of the campus.

UMF Reimagined — Community Engagement

Strengthening Community Through Connection and Collaboration

UMF prioritizes community as a core value, aiming to foster deeper connections within the campus, across the University of Maine System, and throughout the local and regional areas. By building trust and collaboration among faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and by partnering with sister universities and local communities, UMF seeks to enhance social and economic well-being throughout Farmington, western Maine, and the state.

Community Engagement

Advancement and Alumni Engagement

Fostering a culture of committed alumni, friends, partners, and donors is essential to building a strong and sustainable foundation for the institution’s future. Through meaningful engagement, clear communication, and opportunities for continued connection, we aim to cultivate lifelong relationships with our alumni and supporters. This vibrant network of advocates will not only celebrate the institution’s legacy but also actively contribute to its growth—financially, professionally, and socially. By inspiring a shared sense of purpose and pride, we will generate a reliable and diversified funding stream that empowers innovation, enhances student success, and ensures long-term institutional vitality.

Strong Internal and External Communications

Sustainable, coordinated communication efforts will strengthen our institutional identity and amplify our message. Internally, clear communication will enhance transparency, alignment, and collaboration. Externally, strategic promotion and marketing will build visibility, trust, and engagement with key audiences. A unified voice will elevate our brand and empower our community to serve as ambassadors of our mission.

Rich External Partnerships

Building and nurturing strong partnerships with local organizations, industry leaders, and government entities is essential to achieving our most ambitious goals. These relationships provide valuable resources, expertise, and opportunities that enhance our academic programs, research initiatives, community engagement, and student outcomes. By deepening existing collaborations and actively seeking new alliances, we can create mutually beneficial partnerships that extend our impact, increase our institutional capacity, and reinforce our role as a vital contributor to regional and societal progress.

Regional Economic Development

As a committed “Anchor Institution,” we play a vital role in driving the economic growth and overall well-being of our region. Through education, workforce development, research, cultural enrichment, and community partnerships, we contribute directly to the vitality and resilience of our local economy. Our presence supports job creation, attracts investment, and provides essential resources and services to the surrounding community. By aligning institutional priorities with regional needs, we reinforce our responsibility not only as an educational leader but also as a catalyst for sustainable development, innovation, and social mobility across the region.

Build Brand Awareness

Strategic, coordinated storytelling that highlights the achievements and experiences of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff is essential to reinforcing UMF’s values, identity, and reputation. By consistently sharing compelling narratives across platforms and audiences, we strengthen recognition of UMF as a vibrant, student-centered institution committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and personal growth. These authentic stories not only build pride within our community but also enhance visibility, attract prospective students, deepen alumni and donor engagement, and position UMF as a trusted and inspiring leader in higher education.

Contact Us

We intend for this Strategic Plan to be an open, inclusive and transparent endeavor. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns please contact us:

Strategic Plan Implementation
University of Maine at Farmington
Merrill Hall
224 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA  04938
tel  207-778-7256
fax  207-778-8189
TDD/TY  207-778-7244
[email protected]