Huskies making headlines in 2026

Gaining Status: Soft Skills Count for Credit at Maine, Kansas Colleges 8/31/26 (The 74, syndicated via Yahoo News): Olivia Sirois, a Fort Kent High School graduate, will receive University of Southern Maine credit toward her occupational therapy program for Jobs for Maine Graduates and GenUS soft-skills credentials, as USM and the rest of the University of Maine System begin awarding college credit for the program this fall.

USM creates one-stop shop for business support 8/31/26 (Mainebiz): The University of Southern Maine is consolidating its business resources in Portland, moving School of Business activities to the Wishcamper Center alongside the Office of Commercialization and the Maine Small Business Development Center’s Portland office; President Jacqueline Edmondson discusses the move.

We can’t give up on reading — or its role in our democracy | Opinion 8/30/26 (Portland Press Herald): University of Southern Maine President Jacqueline Edmondson writes about declining reading proficiency and reading for pleasure in Maine and nationally, highlighting USM’s role in supporting the state’s literacy efforts through USM Reads, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the America Reads/America Counts tutoring program.

Gallery, documentary at Magic Lantern focus on homelessness 8/27/26 (Conway Daily Sun): USM psychology chair Krissy Gleason and part-time art lecturer Tabitha Barnard led the Lake Region Photovoice Project, which gave cameras to eight Bridgton-area residents with lived experience of housing instability; the exhibit and a companion documentary screening run at the Magic Lantern Theater Aug. 28 through Sept. 7.

Photo project illuminates hidden homelessness in rural Maine 8/27/26 (Portland Press Herald): Kristen Gleason, chair of USM’s psychology department, discusses the same USM-led Lake Region Photovoice Project.

In Rumford, one of Maine’s remaining paper mills races to survive amid industry changes 8/27/26 (Portland Press Herald): Retired USM professor and author Michael Hilliard is cited on the history of Maine’s paper industry, which he has called the state’s “mightiest industry.”

Maine researcher encourages student input on statewide school cellphone ban 8/26/26 (WMTW): Dr. Jennifer Chace, assistant director of USM’s Center for Education Policy, Applied Research and Evaluation, shares her research on cellphone bans and student well-being.

Kathy Garrard Joins USM Board of Visitors 8/26/26 (The Gorham Times): Katherine “Kathy” Garrard, longtime Gorham resident and co-founder of the Gorham Village Alliance, joined USM’s Board of Visitors following confirmation by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees on July 13.

Maine sommelier reaches new heights in the wine world 8/25/26 (Portland Press Herald): Jenn Forge, the first Maine woman and first native Mainer to earn Level 3 advanced certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, is noted as having attended USM on a music scholarship before pursuing a hospitality career.

Tiny ocean plankton holds clues to the future of Maine lobster 8/24/26 (Seacoastonline, syndicated from UMaine News): Rachel Lasley-Rasher of USM collaborated with researchers from UMaine and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences on a study finding that lobster larvae preferentially feed on a calorie-rich zooplankton species whose range is shrinking as the Gulf of Maine warms.

When Maine students return to school this fall, they’ll have to power down the cellphones and put away the smartwatches 8/19/26 (Spectrum News): Jennifer Chace, assistant director of USM’s Center for Education Policy, Applied Research and Evaluation, discusses Maine’s new statewide “bell to bell” cellphone ban and how reduced access to social media during the school day can benefit student mental health.

Maine’s education leader says test scores don’t measure what matters. Do they? 8/13/26 (Portland Press Herald): Jennifer Chace argues that national test scores remain a valuable, fair comparison point for Maine students.

They graduated college together in 1956. 70 years later, these friends are still making memories. 8/10/26 (News Center Maine): A group of friends who met at Gorham State Teachers College, now the University of Southern Maine, in the early 1950s and graduated together in 1956, are featured reflecting on more than 70 years of friendship since their college days.

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Maine educators publish children’s activity book on camping adventures 7/30/26 (WABI): Randee Lyn Cassidy, an instructional coach at Buxton Center Elementary School and part-time literacy faculty member at the University of Southern Maine, co-authored the children’s activity book “Ladybugs and Ellie Go Camping” with Susan Cassidy.

Erin Holmes reflects on Maine Women’s Amateur, new position at USM 7/22/26 (Portland Press Herald): Erin Holmes, who was promoted to head coach of the University of Southern Maine women’s golf team in April, reflects on competing in the Maine Women’s Amateur while coaching for the first time, finishing fourth at her home course of Val Halla Golf & Recreation.

What happens to Graham Platner’s leftover campaign money? Here are his options 7/14/26 (News Center Maine): Ron Schmidt, chair of the political science department at the University of Southern Maine, explains campaign finance rules governing how Graham Platner’s Senate campaign could use its remaining cash on hand after he dropped out of the race.

We’re investigating Maine’s education freefall and seeking solutions 7/13/26 (Bangor Daily News): The University of Southern Maine’s education policy arm helped convene a two-day conference in Bangor for the Maine Education Policy Research Institute, bringing together 64 Maine residents to discuss the state’s declining student test scores as part of the BDN’s ongoing education reporting series.

Who will replace Graham Platner? Here’s how Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee. 7/10/26 (CBS News): Ron Schmidt, a political science professor at the University of Southern Maine, weighs in on Sen. Susan Collins’ reelection strength as Maine Democrats work to select a replacement nominee.

This Maine photographer is taking on a new mission: Paying it forward 7/10/26 (Portland Press Herald): Rose Marasco, who joined the University of Southern Maine faculty in 1979 to teach photography, is profiled on her career and a new statewide scholarship she launched to help young Maine artists pursue their education.

‘We Will See You Bleed’ author Ron Currie on reading Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’ 7/6/26 (Los Angeles Daily News): Ron Currie, who teaches in USM’s Stonecoast MFA program, discusses his new novel “We Will See You Bleed” and the books that shaped him as a writer.

Shrinking student numbers and shifting job needs are shaping central Maine education 7/5/26 (Portland Press Herald): Jennifer Chase, assistant director of the University of Southern Maine’s Center for Education Policy, Applied Research and Evaluation, discusses school enrollment declines, consolidations and shifting student career interests as part of USM’s Maine Education 2050 project.

The American Dream 7/1/26 (Maine Calling): Libby Bischof, professor of history and executive director of the Osher Map Library, and Michael Cauvel, associate professor of economics, joined a panel discussion about how the American Dream has evolved.  

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June

Paid internships would work wonders for Maine | Opinion 6/23/26 (Portland Press Herald): Andy Osheroff, director of USM’s Career & Employment Hub, makes the case that more paid internships would be a worthy investment in Maine’s students, businesses, and economy.

Mainers, biscuits and Bakewell Cream are a match made in Bangor 6/23/26 (Portland Press Herald): Richard Bilodeau, senior lecturer of marketing and entrepreneurship, shares his expertise on consumer behavior and why customers remain loyal to brands.

250^th & Patriotism (Maine Calling): Adam Tuchinsky, provost and vice president of academic affairs, joins a panel discussion on the nature of patriotism, the role it’s played in America’s history, and what it means today.

Kathleen Getchell named new assistant principal of Sanford High School (Seacoastonline): Getchell recently completed the Assistant Principal Certificate Program at the University of Southern Maine.

World Affairs Council of Maine elects board of directors at 49^th Annual Membership Meeting (Bangor Daily News): USM alumnus Riley Worth, who earned his master’s of public policy and non-profit management from the Muskie School in 2026, was elected to the World Affairs Council of Maine board. 

Maine Democrats buoyed by voter turnout — a troubling sign for (Portland Press Herald): Ronald Schmidt, a political science professor at USM, weighs in on voter turnout during Maine’s primary races, suggesting there’s energy across both parties.

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Glass windows kill millions of birds a year — Maine’s trying to make buildings safer for them (MainePublic): Chris Maher, a biology professor at USM, helped start the BirdSafe Maine group with Maine Audubon and the Portland Society for Architecture, and says bird-friendly preventative measure really work, citing the Crewe Center for the Arts as an example.

Understanding the world through old maps (CBS Sunday Morning): The Osher Map Library, at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, is home to half a million rare maps, globes and atlases dating back to the 15 century — which are definitely not outdated, even in an age of GPS.

The best town of city for college students in every US state (Business Insider): Portland, home to one of USM’s campuses, is listed as the best college town in Maine for its coastal city setting with a strong food scene, arts and culture, and easy access to the waterfront.

‘Marden’s Lady’ to be honored at Maine Playwrights Festival (Portland Press Herald): The Maine Playwrights Festival dedicated this year’s event to the memory of Karmo Sanders — the beloved “Marden’s Lady” and longtime USM theater professor —premiering a 10-minute play she wrote years ago.

Nearly 7,000 attend USM commencement (Bangor Daily News): The University of Southern Maine celebrated its 146th commencement Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena, awarding 1,615 degrees to the class of 2026 before a crowd of nearly 7,000 graduates, family members, faculty and staff.

Gerald Talbot remembered as pioneer of Maine civil rights movement (News Center Maine): Provost Adam Tuchinsky speaks about the importance of Gerald E. Talbot to the State of Maine and USM, which is home to the Gerald Talbot Collection.

‘He had a huge impact’: Friends, historians remember legacy of Gerald Talbot in Maine (WGME): Provost Adam Tuchinsky is interviewed about the legacy of the late civil rights leader and his impact on both the state and university. 

Mainers deserve more than three minutes to speak at school board meetings. Here’s a better way. | Opinion (Portland Press Herald): Jennifer Chace, assistant director of USM’s Center for Education Policy, Applied Research and Evaluation and Maine Education Policy Research Institute, introduces the upcoming Maine Citizens’ Assembly on Education Priorities.

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April

Graham Platner Surge Threatens Susan Collins as Janet Mills Bows Out (Newsweek): Ron Schmidt, professor of political science at USM, shares his expertise on the Senate race attracting national attention.

What Maine put in a time capsule that’s meant to be unearthed in 250 years (Portland Press Herald): Three postcards, sourced from the University of Southern Maine’s Osher Map Library, show Maine’s boundaries as they currently exist — while illustrating the state’s cultural and recreational significance.

By looking to the past, Maine’s philanthropists can brighten its future (Portland Press Herald): The Maine Philanthropy Center and Place Matters, a project within the Catherine Cutler Institute at USM, issued a joint report offering a broad outline of how some families in the state got rich through the exploitation of resources and labor — a source of much of the money that flows to charity these days.

USM honors veterans who once lived on Exeter Street (WGME): The University of Southern Maine’s Military-Affiliated Student Hub hosted a dedication ceremony to honor the veterans who once occupied its Exeter Street houses, many of whom served in both World Wars.

Maine Sports Hall of Fame announces class of 2026 (WMTW): The Maine Sports Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026, which includes longtime USM athletic director Al Bean and David Hughes, a USM alumnus and two-time Olympic sailor.

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USM’s Zoe Barnes wins NCAA shot put title (Portland Press Herald): Zoe Barnes became the University of Southern Maine’s third national champion in women’s track and field, winning the shot put Saturday at the NCAA Division III championships in Birmingham, Alabama.

Jaycie Christopher is one of the best comeback stories that Maine has seen in awhile (Bangor Daily News): Jaycie Christopher transferred to USM for her senior year, leading the women’s basketball team to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament run.

Liz Cote accepted her career was over. Now she has Southern Maine women in Sweet 16 (Portland Press Herald): Cote lost her love of the game and stepped away from college basketball for three years, but the Huskies’ captain never lost her shooting touch.

Student Behavior (Maine Public): Dr. Sarah Wilkinson, assistant professor of special education at University of Southern Maine, is among the featured panelists discussing problematic student behavior on the rise in Maine and across the country.

Despite ‘lifetime of barriers,’ Maine mom says Build Hope project helped lift her out of poverty (Spectrum News):  The report by Luisa S. Deprez, professor emerita at the University of Southern Maine, identified transportation costs as the biggest barrier to parents staying enrolled in programs.

Maine lawmakers debate expanding ranked-choice voting amid constitutional concerns
(News Center Maine): Dr. Ronald Schmidt, head of the political science department at the University of Southern Maine, offers insight into a proposal to expand ranked-choice voting to include races for governor and seats in the state legislature.

Characters of the County: Lorrie Winslow Has a Heart for Nonprofits (Lincoln County News): Lorrie Winslow earned her master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine in 2006, and credits a professor for encouraging her to pursue work in the nonprofit sector.

Jaycie Christopher reignited her basketball passion with USM women’s basketball (Portland Press Herald): Jaycie Christopher transferred to USM for her senior year, and has helped the women’s basketball team win the LEC tournament and earn a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament.

Local governments across Maine spent $3 million in opioid settlement funds last year (U.S. News & World Report): The data is collected and tracked by The Maine Opioid Settlement Support (MOSS) Center, housed in USM’s Catherine Cutler Institute.

Women in Maine: 250 Years Ago (Maine Public): Ashley Towle, Ph.D., associate dean and professor of history and women and gender studies, and Libby Bischof, Ph.D., executive director of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education, discuss what life was like for women in Maine during the American Revolution.

February

Maine’s got big plans for celebrating America’s 250th (Portland Press Herald): USM’s Osher Map Library is featured as one of the many institutions planning exhibits, lectures and events all year long to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.

Loud Budgeting (WalletHub): Maureen Ebben, Ph.D., chair and professor in USM’s Department of Communication and Media Studies, offers expert insight into a personal finance trend popular on social media.

January

Vermont Prosecutors Operate Without Public Data Dashboards While Peer Jurisdictions Embrace Transparency (Compass Vermont): Maine’s statewide prosecutorial dashboard, developed in partnership with the Maine Statistical Analysis Center at the Catherine Cutler Institute, is highlighted as a example of public data transparency for small, rural states.

USM’s Southworth Planetarium undergoes major upgrades to enhance stargazing experience (WGME): Tom Bickford, USM director of STEM outreach, and John Haley, planetarium manager, joined ARC Maine to highlight exciting new planetarium upgrades, including a new projector and surround sound system.

Report says Hannaford grocery prices are higher in low-income Maine communities (Portland Press Herald): Mike Cauvel, associate professor of economics, breaks down the factors that influence prices on grocery store shelves.