Maine College of Engineering and Computing celebrating one year of success

In a remarkable milestone within the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative, the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) celebrates its first year of operation. Established through a generous $75 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation and officially launched on April 1, 2023, the college has swiftly emerged as a beacon of modern education, addressing the evolving needs of Maine’s workforce and economy.

At the helm of this transformative endeavor is Dean Giovanna Guidoboni, whose inaugural leadership has steered MCEC towards excellence in education and innovation. By bringing together the fields of computing and engineering, the college is providing a holistic approach to preparing students for the demands of today’s job market.

Recognizing the critical importance of a skilled workforce in driving Maine’s economy forward, the MCEC is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through a blend of rigorous academics, hands-on learning experiences and a focus on lifelong learning, the college is empowering students to become catalysts for innovation and progress.

In its first year, the college has made great strides as a statewide integrated solution for delivering the technical workforce and innovations critical to moving Maine’s economy forward.  The establishment of a University of Maine System (UMS) council and the collaboration between the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine (USM) are opening the doors for new educational opportunities in emerging fields such as AI, renewable energy, advanced materials and biomedical and industrial engineering. Through articulation agreements with community colleges, MCEC is expanding access to engineering and computing education, creating seamless pathways for students to pursue their academic and career goals.

The college has also seen a marked increase in enrollment its first year. The MCEC graduate student population has grown by nearly 10% since fall 2022. With nearly 450 students, mechanical engineering is the largest undergraduate major by enrollment across UMS. The Surveying Engineering Technology program has grown 76% in four years and is consistently ranked in the nation’s top two. The Data Science and Engineering program, based at UMaine and including courses at USM and University of Maine at Augusta, has grown 300% in three years. New programs have been launched, such as Human-Centered Technology Design at UMaine and Industrial Engineering at USM. 

In one year, MCEC faculty have secured over $100 million in research funding that supports the advancement of science, engineering and technology for the benefit of the state of Maine, its greater region and its people. An impressive array of highly interdisciplinary student projects in the college’s first year is a key measure of MCEC’s commitment to bringing together the natural synergies of all engineering and computing disciplines. From enhancing ice hockey rink monitoring with real-time data sensors to developing inventory systems for organizing athletic equipment, students have been actively engaged in solving real-world challenges in partnerships with UMaine Athletics.

Additionally, projects such as blueberry harvesting tools and bridge monitoring systems underscore the MCEC’s commitment to addressing local needs and driving innovation in Maine’s key industries. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty and industry partners, the college is not only preparing students for successful careers but also contributing to the advancement of the state’s economy.

As MCEC marks its first anniversary, it does so with a sense of pride in its achievements and a steadfast commitment to excellence. With a foundation built on innovation, collaboration and a dedication to serving the needs of Maine, the college looks forward to many more years of success in shaping the future of engineering and computing education.

Contact: Chris Karlen, [email protected]