News Releases

USM Professor Thinks College Isn’t for Everyone

January 22, 2008

Nationwide, high school seniors  -- those who haven’t received early admission acceptance letters -- are scrambling to submit their applications before impending deadlines.  But, should they?

High schools, parents, and friends tell seniors the key to success is that bachelor’s degree yet, the 85 percent of Maine’s students in high school college prep tracks are not enrolling in college at an equivalent rate, nor are they graduating from college.

Lynne Miller, professor of Education Leadership and director of the Southern Maine Partnership at the University of Southern Maine feels under-preparation at the high school level, lack of financing, class disadvantages, or just plain not being suited for the rigors of college are all factors that keep teens out of college and contribute to the lack of success that many college freshman experience.  Miller feels the definition of higher education also needs to be broadened to include post-secondary options such as certificate programs, apprenticeships, the armed forces, as well as two-and four-year degree programs.

Miller can be reached for interviews at 207-780-5479 (o), 207-632-1156 (cell) or lynnem@usm.maine.edu.  Feel free to contact Judie Alessi O’Malley or Bob Caswell at 207-780-4200 for help arranging an interview.  They also can be reached at home, 207-839-6402 (O’Malley) and 207-839-2026 (Caswell).

The University of Southern Maine is the comprehensive metropolitan university in Maine, serving some 10,400 students with campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn.  Founded in 1878, USM is a member of the University of Maine System, and currently offers over 50 majors and more than 40 academic programs.  For more information, see: http://www.usm.maine.edu.

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