University of Maine at Farmington

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) holds a distinctive place in Maine's educational landscape as the state's first publicly funded normal school, established in 1864. What began with a singular focus on teacher training quickly evolved, yet its foundational commitment to academic excellence and practical learning has remained a constant. UMF continues to build on this legacy, preparing students not just for careers in education, but also for vital roles in health and rehabilitation.

Over its extensive history, UMF has undergone several transformations, adapting its name from Western State Normal School to Farmington State Teachers College, and eventually integrating into the University of Maine System in 1968. This journey reflects a dynamic institution that has consistently met the changing needs of its students and the state. Even in its early days, the school's strong liberal arts offerings attracted a diverse cohort, including future titans of industry and engineering like the Stanley brothers, famed for the Stanley Steamer automobile, and John Frank Stevens, the visionary engineer behind the Panama Canal.

Today, UMF stands as a proud member of the University of Maine System, continuing its tradition of impactful education. The state-of-the-art Theodora J. Kalikow Education Center, a LEED-Silver certified building, underscores its dedication to modern learning environments and houses the UMF College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation. This focus ensures that UMF graduates are well-prepared to make a difference in critical fields, following in the footsteps of notable alumni like comedian Bob Marley, who also found his path through UMF's diverse offerings.