Senator Collins Delivers Remarks at Grand Opening of UMA Capital Center in Augusta

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Augusta, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined in the grand opening of the new Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). She was joined by more than 100 attendees at the event, including Senator Angus King, UMA leaders, faculty, and students as well as leaders of the University of Maine System and MaineGeneral Health.

“Both of the programs housed in this state-of-the-art Capital Center demonstrate the commitment of UMA to provide Maine people with affordable and accessible higher education and to join with private-sector partners to address workforce needs,” said Senator Collins. “I was pleased to secure funding to support this project, which will increase opportunities for students to gain the hands-on training they need to succeed in critical health care and cybersecurity roles.”

“The Capital Center is a transformative investment in UMA’s ability to strengthen Maine’s nursing and cybersecurity workforce. We are profoundly grateful to Senator Collins for her vision and leadership in securing the federal funding that made this possible. Because of her support, UMA students will enter high-demand careers prepared to succeed from day one, helping to meet Maine’s urgent workforce needs and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Jenifer Cushman, President, University of Maine at Augusta.

Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured more than $7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the Capital Center, with $4.5 million supporting construction of the Center and $2.65 million to expand the nursing simulation lab within the new space. She previously secured $500,000 to help establish a cybersecurity training certification program at UMA.

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