History and Evolution

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Unity hosts the North American Alliance for Green Education conference.

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

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

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.

Unity implements an Enterprise Model, creating Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) for greater adaptability.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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