• Sixth president of UNE
• Ph.D and M.A. in Clinical Psychology

“Assuming so, I believe it’s critically important to be aware of mental health issues and resources for addressing them. Psychological disorders, as well as, sub-clinical psychological problems and even normal developmental struggles can present significant barriers to students’ success in college. It’s critical that students take advantage of the resources available on campus, and work to deal proactively with their problems.

I love making my way around our campuses. When I first arrived at UNE I didn’t know where anything was. I relied in part on a map of each campus that I kept bookmarked on my phone. And even more so, I just asked random people (students, staff, etc.) when I had questions about where a building was. Little by little, I’ve learned my way around and now I know pretty much where everything is.

Well, I’d say it’s impossible, there’s an infinite number of possibilities available to us at any moment, and we can’t do them all. Life involves prioritizing and giving attention to a limited number of things. Having said that, my perception is that too many students don’t take advantage of enough opportunities, esp. those outside the classroom. Stretch beyond your comfort zone! Seek out new things, new people, new opportunities. Many UNE students don’t take advantage of nearly enough of them.  Look for things that make you anxious, and then rather than avoiding them, go for them! Anxiety is often a positive sign that you’re doing something beyond your normal comfort zone. College is a time to try new things, to meet new people, and participating in such opportunities is a great way to grow as a person.”