Q&A with Kennedy

Since President Robert Kennedy has been at UMaine, he’s established a reputation as a very active administrator and spokesperson for the university. He’s also very popular among students, faculty and staff. We recently asked him for some thoughts on several subjects as he takes office as UMaine’s 18th President.

What do you think are the most important things a President of a university needs to be? Especially here at UMaine?

A: This is the best job I’ve ever had, largely because it is so multi-faceted. A president, above all, needs to be a good listener and a good communicator. We’ve worked hard since I’ve been in this role to let people — those in our community, members of the Legislature, alumni and others who care about UMaine — know about the good things that are happening at UMaine. A president needs to be front-and-center when it comes to expressing the reasons that his or her institution is worthy of the support that all colleges and universities need. This is especially true of a major public university like UMaine. While it’s a serious job that requires careful management of precious resources and a good deal of responsibility, a sense of humor is very important, too.

You’ve served at several other colleges and universities, what is unique about UMaine, what have we got that others don’t?

A: To me, UMaine stands out because of its people. I really enjoy our students, our faculty and staff employees, our alumni and our many friends. We are very fortunate that UMaine is made up of so many caring, committed and talented people. I also think that UMaine stands out because if offers as much as any university with which I’m familiar, but in a comfortable community that’s small enough that all of its members can be comfortable and successful.

Do you think those are the things that attract students to UMaine? Why do you think students want to come here? The sense of community, or the location, things like that?

A: It is interesting to pose that question to students, because one hears so many different kinds of answers. Common themes do emerge, though. Many point to the value they receive — a high quality education at an affordable price. Many others do note that sense of community, enhanced by our wonderful location, which affords access to so much of what Maine has to offer. In general, I think that our students have high expectations when they arrive at UMaine, and they find that this university provides everything they need and desire, and much more.

Have you had a chance to talk with parents, and if so what kinds of things are they telling you about UMaine?

A: I do enjoy interacting with our students’ parents, especially those I get to meet when the new first-year students move in at the beginning of Fall Welcome Weekend. Parents really seem to appreciate the attention they receive when our faculty and staff members meet them at the curb on move-in day, and literally help carry their belongings to the residence hall rooms. On those occasions, and at other times when I speak with parents, they tell me that they appreciate the level of personal attention we pay to our students and their families, and that they are comforted to know that their children are in an environment where others are committed to their success.

What do you think the future holds for the university?

A: I could not be more optimistic about UMaine’s future. We have great students, faculty members, staff members and supporters throughout Maine and beyond. We have outstanding teaching, research and outreach programs and our capacity is growing in each of those areas. I am particularly excited about our developing network of collaborative relationships we are building with institutions like the Jackson Laboratory and Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems. By working together, we can share resources and capitalize on each other’s strengths to accomplish a great deal in terms of research and teaching. We are working hard to lay a solid foundation for what will be the largest fundraising campaign in UMaine’s history. I hope and expect that this will be a very successful effort, and it will focus to a significant degree on raising money for scholarships and faculty investments — things that directly and immediately impact our students and academic programs in a positive way. The University of Maine System’s strategic plan clearly delineates UMaine’s role as the primary, flagship institution in the statewide system. That positions us well to continue our leadership role in providing the programs — including research and graduate programs — that the system and the state need to meet the needs of Maine’s people.

I understand you’re an avid landscape gardener, does that come from your background as a scientist?

A: I’ve been fascinated by science of all kinds for as long as I can remember. I think it probably comes from growing up on a farm in Minnesota, as part of a family that appreciated nature and made its living off the land. My parents actively supported my interests — they were enthusiastic 4-H volunteers for many years. I also remember that my grandmother was passionately interested in plants and that my mother couldn’t stand them! There were three children in my family, and two of us majored in plant sciences in college. In my case, my interests and influences led me to study botany at the University of Minnesota, and to pursue an academic career in that field. Enjoying nature and gardening are my primary hobbies, and Maine is a great place for them. I’ve done a little planting around the president’s house on campus and I look forward to doing more later this fall and next spring. I’m very fortunate that my vocation and my hobby intersect.

Any messages you’d like to give to parents?

A: Three of my four sons are currently college students, one of them in grad school, so I can certainly identify with our students’ parents and their concerns. Parents should know that all of us at UMaine are committed to our students’ success. I think we have wonderful students; I hear a new story almost every day about the remarkable things they accomplish in the classroom and in the community. We work hard to provide all of the support they need to do well here. UMaine’s students are the greatest testament to what we truly believe — that this is a wonderful place where students can get a great education and develop as people who contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Do you like the area, the outdoors?

A: I do. It is much like Minnesota, although I must admit that the presence of the ocean makes it even prettier. Like most people who grew up in a rural environment, outdoor recreation has always been a big part of my life and it continues to be something I enjoy. My favorite activities involve being outdoors, including gardening of course, running, and some golf. Since moving into the president’s house, I’ve enjoyed running on–and discovering–UMaine’s biking trails. They are a fabulous asset to the university and when running on them, I can’t help but think how lucky I am–how lucky we are–to live in an area with such natural assets like Maine. My wife Mary and my four sons also enjoy the outdoors, so we have a great time together exploring this beautiful state and all it has to offer.