A headshot of Kate Ahrens standing in front of a stone wall.

May 2023

Dr. Katherine Ahrens, Assistant Research Professor of Public Health, is part of a team that won an $11 million grant to investigate how Medicaid-funded doulas could help reduce maternal health disparities in the U.S. The study aims to determine if available doula services could improve post-pregnancy health outcomes for people of color and for low-income people.

A microphone and laptop with a Cybersecurity Ambassador sticker are set up on a table, ready to record a podcast. Audio editing software is shown on the computer screen and two potted plants appear in the background.

Apr 2023

Our Cybersecurity Ambassadors are hoping to get the message out about online safety via podcast. Since their debut, they’ve recorded detailed, full-length interviews with John Forker, chief information security officer for the UMaine System, Rob Simopoulos, cofounder of Portland-based cybersecurity company Defendify, Maine U.S. Senator Angus King, and others.

Avangrid Foundation CEO Pedro Azagra speaks at a press conference announcing a $1.2 million gift in honor of David Flanagan to fund a new sustainability scholarship and professorship.

Mar 2023

We received an incredible $1.2 million gift from the Avangrid Foundation in honor of the legacy of David Flanagan — a Maine business icon, our 12th president, and a passionate conservationist. The investment will fund a sustainability scholarship and professorship in Flanagan’s name at the Muskie School of Public Service, to help train the next generation of problem solvers.

Stonecoast faculty members and authors: Elizabeth Hand leans against a door frame of a building covered in stickers and graffiti; Morgan Talty stands with his arms crossed over his chest against a background of foliage.

Feb 2023

Two of our faculty members can count their names among other literary greats, such as Stephen King and Barack Obama. Hokuloa Road by Elizabeth Hand and Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty made The New York Times list of “100 Notable Books for 2022.” This recognition cements both authors’ place as remarkable writers and inspires our students to pursue their own writing goals.

Peter Cooke and Martha Sheils speak to an audience seated in a dining area at the Maine Beer Company.

Oct 2022

We recently received a $350,000 gift to support 15 to 20 craft beverage businesses in their efforts toward going green. This gift will allow our New England Environmental Finance Center to work with businesses — including breweries, distilleries, wineries or cider makers within our state — to implement crucial sustainable practices and improve processes that impact the environment.

Ainsley Wallace delivers remarks in front of the in-construction Portland Commons residence hall.

Aug/Sep 2022

L.L.Bean has announced a gift of $850,000 to support a new Career & Student Success Center as well as a scholarship for students pursuing environmental education. The student center and environmentally friendly campus quad are all part of the historic transformation of our Portland campus — the University’s largest construction project ever and our most sustainable.

Established: September 2013