University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings announced that USM will withdraw its proposed name change in the upcoming legislative session, allowing for further market research and conversations with community leaders.
The deferment will also allow time to begin the construction of a new career and student center and the attached 550-bed residential hall on the Portland campus.The dormitory would be necessary to house an expected influx of new students resulting from the name-change, which sought to leverage the national reputation of Maine’s largest city.
“Pressing pause on the name change legislation will allow our transformative Portland campus construction to be closer to completion and give us more time to engage in a public conversation about creative, inclusive marketing and enrollment strategies,” USM President Glenn Cummings said. “We must work together to keep more Maine students here for college while making all of our public universities more competitive in attracting those from out-of-state who are necessary to growing our university and Maine’s economy.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of pride in USM this proposed name-change evoked, especially among our alumni and community and corporate partners. This reinforces why our university and its educational, economic and cultural contributions are so critical our entire state and why our long-term sustainability and success as an institution is so important,” said USM President Glenn Cummings. The University of Maine System Trustees approved the name change. The change also drew endorsements from USM’s Alumni Association, Student Government Association and Board of Visitors as well as Maine’s leading CEOs.
Some community leaders raised questions about the need for the name change. Maine State Senator Bill Diamond, a USM alumnus, expressed his support for President Cummings’ decision to delay the change.
“I was proud to lead the fight and carry the messages of opposition to the proposed name change — concerns that were expressed not just from my senate district, but from around the state,” Sen. Diamond said. “I appreciate President Cummings’ willingness to listen to those concerns and to end this effort which I hope will not resurface. His dedication and commitment to the University of Southern Maine is admirable and speaks well for its future.”
President Cummings recognized Sen. Diamond and Rep. Corey — both USM alumni — for their unwavering passion for the university and its crucial role in Maine’s future.
“It speaks highly of them that they feel such allegiance and affection to the traditions of our university,” Cummings said.
“A new name was never our sole focus for improving student and university success,” Cummings said. “Academic excellence, retention, affordability and job placement will always anchor our priorities. We will continue our success and growth in these areas.”