Melik’s Memo – September 2023
I hope this newsletter finds you well and thriving as we embark on a new academic year at Unity Environmental University. It is my pleasure to share some exciting updates and developments that have taken place recently, showcasing our commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and environmental stewardship.
By combining this innovation with Unity’s affordability and flexibility, we are empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds all over the country to engage with the environmental sciences, fostering a new generation of environmental leaders who can drive positive change in our world. We believe that this holistic approach to education is not only vital for our students but also contributes to our broader mission.
As we continue to monitor national trends in higher education, it has become clear – there is a high demand for an environmental science-based education, and Unity is bringing even more programming options to the table.
New Programs
To support this need Unity Distance Education recently announced the launch of two degree paths aimed at addressing critical environmental issues, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agroforestry and the Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience.
You can read all about them by clicking this link.
An AI Innovation
We now have another tool in our student support belt. I’m thrilled to introduce you to “Spruce,” our AI chatbot designed to revolutionize the online academic experience. Spruce provides on-demand academic support, answering questions and guiding students through their studies whenever they need it. This creative advancement is in addition to our world-class student support program.
Check out Spruce for yourself by visiting our dedicated webpage.
Student Stories
Our Distance Education students come from such diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations to our university. Recently, I learned about Trevor Brinkman, a 50-year-old High School life and earth sciences teacher from rural Virginia who has been teaching for more than 20 years. Trevor is currently pursuing his Master’s in Environmental Geographic Information Science.
Trevor says, “I love the eight-week course schedule, which works great with my teacher’s schedule. I took two courses this summer, the professional composition course and an intro to environmental GIS … Unity will provide me with new skills, opportunities and unknown paths to follow as I continue forward as a life-long learner while also reinforcing and expanding what I can bring into my own classroom.”
Welcome Back!
Unity Hybrid Learning students recently returned to in-person learning for one of our two fall terms. They are already hitting the ground running, exploring and learning in different habitats throughout Maine!
I’ve also enjoyed seeing some of the pictures coming in from our photography club. They recently worked to recreate tiny historic photos, and this one of Stonehenge is really cool! The creativity of our students never ceases to amaze me.
Expanding Our Reach Through Partnerships
To further enhance our experiential learning opportunities for all students, Unity Environmental University is establishing national and international partnerships. These collaborations will provide our students with unique learning experiences and opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives on environmental issues. We are excited about the doors these partnerships will open for our university community.
World Class Student Support
Ensuring our students get a great career is a top priority, and we’re always here to help! All Unity Environmental University students and employers are invited to join us for a virtual Environmental Career Expo. This event is a chance to connect and explore incredible career opportunities in the environmental field.
Don’t miss this incredible chance to network, learn, and take your career to new heights. Students can sign up easily by clicking this link.
Maine Climate Corps Kickoff at Unity’s Pineland Campus
The Maine Climate Corps inaugural public event is being held at our Unity Environmental University campus in New Gloucester on October, 6.
Community leaders, volunteers, and individuals interested in the Maine Climate Corps will be coming together for a lunch and seminar featuring Dr. Marianne Krasny, Director of Cornell University’s Civic Ecology Lab. Dr. Krasny studies the individual, community, and environmental outcomes of community-based environmental stewardship.
You can learn more about Maine Climate Corps by clicking this link.
Record Growth
I am proud to announce that over the summer we welcomed the largest incoming class in our history, demonstrating our continued growth and impact in the field of environmental education. Our university now proudly hosts over 7,500 full-time students, and our ambitious vision sees us exceeding 10,000 students by 2025. This remarkable expansion speaks to our dedication to making quality education accessible to all who seek it.
Alumni Spotlight
Congratulations to Caitlyn Clark ’23, who recently landed a great job with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife! Caitlyn wrapped up her Master’s in Wildlife Conservation and Management this past year.
She says, “I know that I would never have been able to get a job with the agency without everything I’ve learned in my program at Unity and the support I have gotten from my professors. I was even able to discuss in my interview what I’m learning in some of my courses and some course projects that I have completed that directly relate to what I will be doing in this position. I will be the Regional Operations Manager for Region 4 and I am sooo excited about it!”
This is why we do what we do! To ensure Unity has programming that will land students from all backgrounds a lifelong career.
Thank you for being a part of our vibrant network and for your dedication to making a positive impact on our world.
As always, please contact me at president@unity.edu, with any questions or comments you may have.
With Pride,
Dr. Melik Peter Khoury President
