Maine's Public Universities Collaborate to Expand Access to Nursing Degrees

System-wide initiatives aim to address workforce shortages and boost student success

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The University of Maine System has launched new collaborative programs across its public universities, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree offered through a partnership between the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, and local hospitals. This initiative is part of a broader effort to leverage the system's unified accreditation, share resources, and expand access to high-quality, affordable education for students like Brenna Alley, who wants to become a nurse while staying in her rural Maine community.

Why it matters

Maine's public universities have historically competed for a shrinking pool of high school graduates, but the system's new collaborative approach aims to better serve the needs of students and the state's workforce. By sharing facilities, faculty, and programs, the universities can now ensure that geography and financial constraints do not limit access to critical programs like nursing education.

The details

The new Downeast Nursing track allows students to earn a BSN degree without having to leave their local community. This is part of a broader effort by the University of Maine System to reduce barriers to higher education, including system-wide direct admission for high school seniors, guaranteed admissions for community college graduates, tuition discounts for major Maine employers, and student success initiatives supported by a $320 million grant.

  • In January 2026, 18-year-old Brenna Alley decided to pursue nursing after a positive hospital experience.
  • The Downeast Nursing track launched its inaugural cohort in Fall 2026.

The players

Brenna Alley

A high school senior from Jonesport, Maine who decided to become a nurse after a positive hospital experience and is now part of the inaugural cohort of the Downeast Nursing track.

University of Maine at Machias

A regional campus of the University of Maine that is partnering with the University of Maine at Augusta and local hospitals to offer the Downeast Nursing track.

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA)

A public university in Maine that is collaborating with the University of Maine at Machias and area hospitals to bring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to Washington County.

University of Maine System (UMS)

The unified public university system in Maine that has launched new collaborative programs across its institutions to expand access to high-quality, affordable education.

Harold Alfond Foundation

A foundation that provided a $320 million challenge grant to support the University of Maine System's student success and retention initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“Brenna is now part of the inaugural cohort of the Downeast Nursing track and exactly the kind of student the University of Maine System (UMS) exists to serve: eager for educational attainment and economic mobility, and determined to live and work in Maine, where their professional knowledge and skills are desperately needed.”

— Dannel Malloy, Chancellor, University of Maine System (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The University of Maine System plans to continue expanding collaborative programs across its universities, including delivering allied dental education and community care at additional campuses and increasing access to legal services through a rural legal aid clinic.

The takeaway

By embracing collaboration over competition, Maine's public universities are now better positioned to serve the needs of students and the state's workforce, ensuring that geography and financial constraints do not limit access to critical programs like nursing education.