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The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that nursing student Katelynn Dougherty is one of 28 students to be accepted into the prestigious Maine NEW Leadership program at the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine. Ms. Dougherty is a third-year nursing student at UMFK.

“We are very proud of Ms. Dougherty,” said UMFK President John Short. “This is a highly competitive program that students from all over the world apply to be a part of. We are thrilled to have Ms. Dougherty represent UMFK in this capacity.”

According to their website, with this program the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center seeks to, “address the under-representation of women in politics,” and “is designed to educate and empower young leaders by giving them the skills necessary to become the next generation of effective civic and political leaders.” Students who participate in the program are mentored by women who are public leaders as a way to help provide context for the skills they will learn.

“When I received the news that I had been chosen as a participant in Maine NEW Leadership program, I was ecstatic,” said Ms. Dougherty of Palermo, Maine. “It is a major growth opportunity for me, both personally and academically. I am eager to gain leadership, advocacy, and networking skills that will be utilized throughout my entire career and personal life." 

Applicants to this program are selected based on leadership potential, their ability to handle challenges, and their interest in public service. Graduates of this program are encouraged to take part in campus-wide leaderships positions and work toward a future of civic engagement and participation.

​For more information about civic engagement and leadership at UMFK, please call 834-7500 or go to umfk.edu.