University of New England

University of New England
Name	University of New England
Established	1938
Type	Private
Endowment	$250 million
President	James D. Herbert
City	Biddeford and Portland
State	Maine
Country	United States
Students	13,000+
Faculty	1,200+
Campus	Suburban/Urban
Colors	Blue & White

University of New England. The University of New England is a private institution with campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine. It is the state's largest private university and is recognized for its comprehensive health sciences programs. The university operates several specialized colleges and maintains a significant focus on interprofessional education and research.

History

The institution traces its origins to the founding of St. Francis College in 1938. In 1952, it merged with the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, which later became its College of Osteopathic Medicine. The university was officially chartered under its current name in 1978. Significant growth occurred with the acquisition of the Westbrook College campus in Portland in 1996, expanding its academic and geographic footprint. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it established key facilities like the Harold Alfond Center for Health Sciences and gained national recognition for programs in marine sciences and healthcare.

Campuses

The primary Biddeford Campus is situated on a coastal site along the Saco River, featuring modern facilities such as the Marine Science Center and the Alfond Forum. The Portland Campus houses the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the School of Social Work. This campus includes historic buildings like the Alexander Hall and the Ludcke Auditorium. The university also operates the University of New England Tangier Campus in Morocco, a unique international site for global health studies. Additional facilities include the Art Gallery in Portland and several coastal research stations along the Gulf of Maine.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Westbrook College of Health Professions. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with particular strength in programs like osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and marine biology. The curriculum emphasizes an interprofessional educational model, preparing students for collaborative practice in fields such as public health and clinical research. The university maintains accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education and numerous specialized accrediting bodies for its health professions programs.

Research

Research activity is concentrated in the health and life sciences, with significant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Key research centers include the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences and the Institute for Public Health. Investigators conduct studies in areas ranging from pain management and neurodegenerative disease to aquaculture and climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems. The university's strategic location facilitates marine research through partnerships with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

Student life

Students participate in over 70 clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association and chapters of national honor societies. The university fields 21 varsity teams, known as the Nor'easters, which compete in the NCAA Division III within the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Campus life features annual events like the Winter Carnival and Spring Fling, and students have access to facilities such as the Campus Center and the Harold Alfond Forum. A significant number of students are engaged in community service through partnerships with organizations like United Way and local healthcare providers.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include former Maine Senate President Justin Alfond, astronaut candidate Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and healthcare executive Michele C. Meyer. Distinguished faculty have included marine scientist James A. Sulikowski, osteopathic physician Jane E. Carreiro, and public health researcher Michele Polacsek. The university's community of scholars and graduates have made significant contributions to fields such as medical education, environmental policy, and clinical practice across New England and internationally.

Category:Universities and colleges in Maine Category:Educational institutions established in 1938 Category:Private universities and colleges in the United States