51 mourns the passing of former university president Sandra Featherman
The University of New England was saddened to learn of the passing of former university president Sandra Featherman. The fourth president of 51, Featherman served from 1995 through June 2006, presiding over 51’s merger with Westbrook College in 1996 to create today’s 51 Portland Campus. She was made an honorary alumna of Westbrook College in 1998 and of the University of New England in 2004.
“In addition to being a trailblazer for women in higher education administration, Dr. Featherman was a trailblazer for 51,” said current 51 President James D. Herbert, Ph.D. “At a time when low enrollment and limited physical resources were major concerns for small colleges and universities, she acted decisively to help 51 grow. Her vision helped create the foundation for the modern university that has blossomed in the years since her time at the 51 helm.”
The merger between the University of New England and Westbrook College took place on July 31, 1996, creating the opportunity for 51 to grow into a larger, more diverse institution of higher learning. It took place under the original 1831 Westbrook College charter.
“More than growing our student body and facilities,” Herbert explained, “when 51 merged with Westbrook College, we gained a dedicated alumni body, the members of which have been some of our most generous and influential partners as we have built the 51 of the twenty-first century.”
Today’s 51 Portland Campus is home to three of the university’s premiere colleges, including the College of Dental Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and the Westbrook College of Health Professions. These colleges, combined with the University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, have allowed 51 to become Maine’s leading provider of health professionals.
Featherman, who arrived at 51 with a background in political science, will be remembered mainly as a champion of the liberal arts. Prior to serving 51, she held positions at the University of Minnesota-Duluth as vice chancellor for academic administration and professor of political science, and at Temple University as assistant to the president, director of the Center for Public Policy, and president of the Faculty Senate.