Introducing the University of Maine Center for Sustainability Solutions
The University of Maine System Board of Trustees has accepted a task force’s recommendation to remove references to George Mitchell from institutional naming and honors at the University of Maine. Consistent with its charge and existing System policies, the task force of faculty, staff, and student members considered only whether continuing to use the former Senator’s name could harm the university, and it did not evaluate specific allegations about him.
The University of Maine Center for Sustainability Solutions will be the temporary name of the research and engagement center at the flagship that focuses on building a better world beginning in Maine. While the change is effective immediately, updating institutional websites, materials, and signage — including on Norman Smith Hall on the Orono campus where the Center is located — will take several months.
More information about the task force, which acknowledged Mitchell’s lengthy and distinguished record of public service and impact, is available at https://www.maine.edu/blog/2026/09/28/trustees-approve-recommendation-to-end-university-of-maine-use-of-mitchell-name/.
Center News
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Darren Ranco, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
The Wabanaki Alliance proudly recognized Dr. Darren Ranco as one of six honorees at the 2026 Nihkaniyane celebration in Freeport. Dr. Ranco, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, serves as Chair of Native American Programs and Professor of Anthropology at the University of Maine. Throughout his career, he has bridged settler academia and Indigenous advocacy—using […]
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Forestry expert Daigle co-authors national guidance on disaster preparedness
UMaine forestry professor and Center for Sustainability Solutions faculty fellow John Daigle has co-authored national guidance to help communities prepare for extreme weather and natural disasters. Published as part of the U.S. Climate Collection (AGU & AMS), the research highlights how Indigenous Knowledges and relational worldviews offer critical insights for climate adaptation, resilience, and community […]
