Strategic Communications at the University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a member of the University of Maine System and welcomes inquiries from members of the media. The Strategic Communications team coordinates official university statements and serves as the central point of contact for media engagement. Journalists may contact the team to request information, interviews, expert commentary, or story ideas related to the university.
We are happy to:
- Connect journalists with USM faculty and staff by topic area or specific expertise
- Facilitate interviews with subject-matter experts across academic disciplines
- Assist with background information, data, and institutional context
- Collaborate on story ideas related to research, teaching, student success, and community impact
Media Inquiries
For all press and media requests, please contact Marissa Bodnar, Director of Strategic Communications:
Email: marissa.bodnar@maine.edu
Our team monitors media inquiries during standard business hours and will respond as promptly as possible.
Finding an Expert
As Southern Maine’s regional comprehensive university, the University of Southern Maine (USM) offers deep expertise informed by and responsive to the needs of Maine and the region. USM faculty and staff contribute expert perspectives across a wide range of disciplines, including – but not limited to – the following areas:
- Education and workforce development
- Business, economics, and public policy
- Arts, humanities, and culture
- Nursing, occupational therapy, and athletic training
- Technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, engineering, and data science
- The sciences, including environmental science
- Public health and social services
- Commercialization, innovation, entrepreneurship, zero-waste and circular economies, and applied research and development resources that support product development, pilot projects, and market translation
USM experts regularly engage on issues of statewide, regional, and national significance. Their work has led to measurable outcomes, including successful partnerships, applied research projects, and solutions with tangible impact for both USM students and Maine communities and beyond.
If you are seeking expert commentary on a specific topic – or wish to speak with a particular faculty or staff member – please include those details in your inquiry, and the Strategic Communications team will assist with coordination.
News
Story Ideas & Collaboration
We welcome conversations with journalists interested in:
- Institutional initiatives and impact across Maine and beyond
- Faculty research and scholarship
- Innovative teaching and academic programs
- Student achievement and experiential learning
- University partnerships, scholarships, and community engagement
If you are developing a story and would like to explore potential angles or sources at USM, our team is glad to collaborate.
Filming, Photography, and Campus Access
Media requests involving filming, photography, or on-campus access should be coordinated in advance through Strategic Communications — start with us and we’ll send you on to the right departments based on your needs to ensure appropriate permissions and scheduling.