Director: Lisa M. Hibl, Ph.D., MFA - Hastings Hall, Gorham
Associate Director: Elizabeth K. Dodge, MFA - Hastings Hall, Gorham
Russell Scholars Faculty: Elizabeth K. Dodge; Timothy Wooten, MFA; Nathan Hamilton, Ph.D., Anthropology
Website: http://usm.maine.edu/rscholar
The Russell Scholars Program (RSP) is a residential, undergraduate learning community of highly motivated students and faculty dedicated to the achievement of educational goals through collaborative learning, out-of-class activities, and community building. The Russell Scholars Program is designed for students who wish to pursue their studies in a small, residential learning community, and who wish to receive close faculty mentoring. Russell Scholars will develop a commitment to learning and community awareness, experience with critical thinking, intercultural knowledge, personal and ethical integrity, and an ability to work as part of a team. Faculty mentors encourage students’ curiosity and passion for the meaningful work of lifelong learning. Approximately 50 first-year students from all majors are admitted to the Russell Scholars Program each year.
Co-curricular and social activities enrich the learning community experience. Russell Scholars are encouraged to have optional out-of-state or out-of-country learning experiences for which they receive academic credit. First-year Russell Scholars are required to reside at Hastings Hall, a remodeled residence hall located on the Gorham campus. Here students can study, socialize, meet with mentors, and attend seminars, concerts, and readings. There are frequent opportunities for Russell Scholars, faculty members, and guests to discuss ideas and issues in a relaxed social setting. Frequently, the campus community is invited to visit Russell Scholars class activities and to see student projects.
