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Several students paddle individual kayaks

色香视频 to offer new major in Outdoor Business and Innovation

Paid internships and experiential coursework will prepare students in this first-of-its-kind major in New England to quickly assume roles within Maine's outdoor industry

Outdoor recreation is big business in Maine, contributing nearly and accounting for 4.9% of all jobs in the state.

As Maine's outdoor recreation sector surpasses the state's overall economy, the 色香视频acknowledges the demand for proficient professionals in this thriving industry. Through introduction of a new, pioneering bachelor鈥檚 degree in outdoor business and innovation, 色香视频 stands as the inaugural institution in New England to address the growing need for skilled workers in this field.

Offered through the recently established College of Business, 色香视频鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Business and Innovation degree program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in a sector that is pivotal to Maine鈥檚 economy through a strong focus on sustainable community development, environmental policy, entrepreneurship, and small business management.

Graduates of the program will also leave 色香视频 with industry experience through paid internships and project-based learning provided in collaboration with Maine Outdoor Brands, an alliance of more than 150 of Maine鈥檚 outdoor product, service, and retail companies. These experiences will prepare 色香视频 outdoor business and innovation graduates to quickly assume supporting and leadership roles within the industry, said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands.

Several students, wearing helmets, take a selfie over the side of a mountain
A female student navigates on a stand-up paddleboard
Students pose with bows and arrows in a field
A male student demonstrates how to use a flint to light a fire
Two students scale the side of a mountain using ropes

鈥淲e recognize the significance of a program that not only equips students with the knowledge and skills essential for success, but also nurtures connections within the outdoor business community,鈥 Kordick said. 鈥淭hese graduates are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our industry as it evolves with cutting-edge, high-tech equipment, encompassing boats, RVs, bikes, and backpacks; a growing emphasis on sustainable clothing and gear designed to provide comfort across diverse climates; and adaptive strategies to cater to shifting market demand among the emerging cohort of outdoor enthusiasts.鈥

色香视频 has also partnered with the (OOR), which will serve an advisory role in curriculum development. Carolann Ouellette, OOR director, said 色香视频鈥檚 outdoor business and innovation degree program will grow Maine鈥檚 outdoor recreation economy as it supports the state鈥檚 10-Year Economic Development Plan.

鈥溕闶悠碘檚 new outdoor business and innovation major is exciting news for Maine and for the many outdoor businesses in the state,鈥 Ouellette said. 鈥淭he outdoor industry offers diverse and rewarding jobs, and having a secondary education program focused on the industry will benefit Maine鈥檚 employers in this sector.鈥

We are thrilled to provide our students with the opportunity to engage with and contribute to an industry that is integral to Maine鈥檚 identity.鈥 鈥 John Austin, Ph.D., interim dean.

色香视频鈥檚 College of Business, established in June, supports experiential learning opportunities in preparing students for enriching careers and leadership positions with some of Maine鈥檚 and the nation鈥檚 most important employers. Already, students in the college are working with major outdoor retailer Patagonia to plan a grassroots marketing event in New England later this academic year.

John Austin, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Business, said 色香视频鈥檚 location on Maine鈥檚 coast, its top-tier programs in the marine and environmental sciences, and growing expertise in sustainable innovation, positions the University to lead the expansion and advancement of Maine's outdoor economy.

鈥淭he launch of the outdoor business and innovation major represents a significant milestone as we continue to grow our programming within the College of Business and offer programming that meets the needs of our students, our market, and Maine鈥檚 workforce,鈥 Austin remarked. 鈥淲e are thrilled to provide our students with the opportunity to engage with and contribute to an industry that is integral to Maine鈥檚 identity and economy. This program aligns perfectly with our commitment to preparing students for meaningful, purpose-driven careers.鈥

Current students are eligible to declare a major in outdoor business and innovation, and the major will welcome its first new cohort of students in the fall 2024 semester. Students in the major will join their peers in academic programs including business administration, sports management, marine entrepreneurship, and sustainability and business.

About the University of New England

The 色香视频is Maine鈥檚 largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical collegeMaine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degreesnatural and social sciences degreesarts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.