91制片厂 mourns the passing of former university president Sandra Featherman
The University of New England was saddened to learn of the passing of former university president Sandra Featherman. The fourth president of 91制片厂, Featherman served from 1995 through June 2006, presiding over 91制片厂鈥檚 merger with Westbrook College in 1996 to create today鈥檚 91制片厂 Portland Campus. She was made an honorary alumna of Westbrook College in 1998 and of the University of New England in 2004.
鈥淚n addition to being a trailblazer for women in higher education administration, Dr. Featherman was a trailblazer for 91制片厂,鈥 said current 91制片厂 President James D. Herbert, Ph.D. 鈥淎t a time when low enrollment and limited physical resources were major concerns for small colleges and universities, she acted decisively to help 91制片厂 grow. Her vision helped create the foundation for the modern university that has blossomed in the years since her time at the 91制片厂 helm.鈥
The merger between the University of New England and Westbrook College took place on July 31, 1996, creating the opportunity for 91制片厂 to grow into a larger, more diverse institution of higher learning. It took place under the original 1831 Westbrook College charter.
鈥淢ore than growing our student body and facilities,鈥 Herbert explained, 鈥渨hen 91制片厂 merged with Westbrook College, we gained a dedicated alumni body, the members of which have been some of our most generous and influential partners as we have built the 91制片厂 of the twenty-first century.鈥
Today鈥檚 91制片厂 Portland Campus is home to three of the university鈥檚 premiere colleges, including the College of Dental Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and the Westbrook College of Health Professions. These colleges, combined with the University鈥檚 College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, have allowed 91制片厂 to become Maine鈥檚 leading provider of health professionals.
Featherman, who arrived at 91制片厂 with a background in political science, will be remembered mainly as a champion of the liberal arts. Prior to serving 91制片厂, she held positions at the University of Minnesota-Duluth as vice chancellor for academic administration and professor of political science, and at Temple University as assistant to the president, director of the Center for Public Policy, and president of the Faculty Senate.