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Architect's sketch Unity College 1966

History and Evolution

The History of Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University is a multi-faceted educational institution, fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and recognized as a Master’s College & University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Unity empowers learners online, in-person in Maine, and on-location in the workplace and the field. We have evolved over 60 years from a small, private, liberal arts college to a national leader in sustainability education, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as micro-credentials, non-credit learning opportunities, and a variety of mission-aligned services.

Our Founding

Our roots go back to 1965 when the Unity Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences was founded to serve a student body of 39 students which was supported by a small employee base. The founders, a group of local business people, were looking for ways to counter economic decline in the town of Unity, Maine. Shortly afterward, the Institute became Unity College and in 1969 we awarded our first baccalaureate degrees to a graduating class of 24 students.

Our Evolution

In 2015, Unity proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary with a student body of 643 students. As of 2024, the institution now known as Unity Environmental University has an annual unduplicated headcount of more than 9,100 full-time students, the largest in our history. Some highlights from our evolution include:

1965

The Beginning of Unity

Combating economic decline in Unity, ME, the Unity Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences is founded. A gift of 180 acres provides the school’s location.


1967

A New Name

The Institute is renamed Unity College to reflect an evolving mission and growing academic offerings.


1968

Degree-Granting Status

The Maine State Legislature grants degree-granting authority. First graduating class of 24 students receives their diplomas in 1969.


1974

Accreditation and Environmental Focus

The institution gains accreditation from NEASC (now NECHE) and formally adopts an environmental science focus.


1983

Innovative, Experiential Education

Unity introduces experiential learning, replacing traditional orientation with outdoor problem-solving activities.


1988

Defining an Environmental Mission

Unity formally adopts a mission statement focused on producing environmentally competent professionals.


1991

Solar Panels from the White House

Thirty-two solar panels arrive at Unity from the White House. Sixteen are refurbished and placed atop the cafeteria, where they heat water for more than a decade.


1995

Entering the National Stage

Unity hosts the North American Alliance for Green Education conference.


2000

Leadership Recognized

The EPA recognizes Unity’s service-learning program, elevating its reputation in environmental education.


2010

A Push for Renewable Energy

Unity returns White House solar panels to Washington, D.C., as part of an awareness campaign for clean energy.


2012

Historic Fossil Fuel Divestment

Unity is the 1st U.S. college to divest fossil fuels from its endowment portfolio. A $10 million donation funds TerraHaus, the 1st Passive House-certified residence hall in the U.S.


2013

Expanding Graduate Programs

Unity implements a business-focused education model, creating Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) for greater adaptability.


2018

A Gift and Strategic Growth

Unity receives the AGB John W. Nason Award for innovation and exemplary financial stewardship. A gift of Sky Lodge in Moose River, ME, expands immersive education experiences.


2019

The Path Forward

Unity adopts a strategic plan focused on 2025 charting real-time responsiveness to industry trends and environmental challenges.


2020

Resilience During the Pandemic

Hybrid Learning with a 5-week term structure launches. Tuition is lowered for graduate programs to increase accessibility. Virtual Forest XR technology is developed.


2021

Expanding Access

Enrollment doubles to 1,800+ students despite national declines. Unity receives a $360,000 USDA grant to expand distance learning.


2022

Record Enrollment and Partnership

Enrollment surpasses 4,600, with students coming from all 50 states. Unity partners with the Ocean Conservancy to create an Ocean Justice micro-course.


2023

A National University

Unity officially becomes Unity Environmental University as enrollment exceeds 7,500. Hosts first-ever virtual Environmental Career Expo with 60+ employers worldwide.


2024

Sustainability Inside and Out

Launches Unity at Pineland and freezes tuition through 2030 to ensure access. Minimum annual salary for full-time Maine-based employees increases to $50,000.


2025

Pioneering the Future

Unity becomes the first U.S. university to launch Salesforce’s AgentForce AI and debuts the Learning Market, a revolutionary online storefront for courses.


Today, Unity Environmental University is a beacon for other universities looking to adapt for a changing era for all of higher education.

University Presidents

  • Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President of Unity Environmental University, 2016 – present
  • Dr. Stephen Mulkey, President Emeritus 2011 – 2015
  • Dr. Mitchell Thomashow, President Emeritus 2006 – 2011
  • Dr. David Glenn-Lewin 2001 – 2005
  • Mr. Wilson Hess 1990 – 2000
  • Dr. James Caplinger 1984 – 1989
  • Dr. Lou Wilcox 1980 – 1983
  • Dr. Ralph Conant 1979 – 1980
  • Dr. Allan B. Karstetter 1972 – 1978
  • Mr. Larry Reichel 1970 – 1971
  • Dr. Clair Wood 1967 – 1970