HR- Barbara Ouellette

Office of Human Resources

Barbara Ouellette is truly the “heart” of the Honors College. Before that she was the heart of the Honors Program since the mid-70s. Very few things happen in Honors that Barbara doesn’t touch in some positive way. She has served as the unofficial mentor for several heads of the Honors Program and College – and each of them would admit that she knows as much or more about Honors than they do!

As the Coordinator of Student Academic Services for the Honors College, she devotes a great deal of her time to supporting students in and outside of the classroom. Barbara loves being involved with the students and assisting them in their journey through the University and the Honors College. Moving into Colvin Hall eight years ago was a godsend for Barbara as she moved out of the “back room” and into an office more readily accessible to the students. For the past six years, she has served as the advisor for Honors students in the Explorations Program as well as their instructor in the first-year experience seminar. Her positive attitude and knowledge of the University has served those students extremely well.

As it happens, Barbara does not get nearly as excited about her other role, Coordinator of Budget for the Honors College. But in this arena, too, Barbara has shown excellent skills in managing and shepherding a budget that has surprising nuances. Each year Barbara sees to it that nearly 100 faculty members are compensated, nearly 100 thesis students get their individual research needs paid for, and countless other travel, event, and publication costs are covered. And each year, thanks to Barbara’s good work, the Honors College stays in the black.

But more importantly than all that, Barbara is always there for a colleague, a student, a faculty member, or anyone who needs some support. She is a sensitive and caring person who has devoted thirty-five years to “being there” for members of the University of Maine community. Thank you, Barbara.