The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking on Dec. 11 for the UMA Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development, which will house state-of-the-art facilities for the university’s in-demand nursing and cybersecurity programs. Renovations of the former Purdue University Global site, located in the Marketplace at Augusta directly across from UMA’s main campus, are expected to be completed in the fall of 2025. This $7.15 million expansion will increase enrollment, enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students and enable UMA to produce more career-ready professionals for the Maine workforce.
Funding and Support
Funding for the $7.15 million Capital Center includes:
- $4.5 million in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) secured for UMA at the request of the University of Maine System (UMS) by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King.
- $2.65 million allocated to UMA from $4.5 million in FY23 CDS secured for UMS for nursing simulation expansion and enhancements across the System by U.S. Sens. Collins and King.
- Additionally, MaineGeneral Health will contribute $480,000 over four years to expand UMA’s nursing program.
U.S. Sens. Collins and King highlighted the importance of UMA’s Capital Center in addressing Maine’s urgent need for skilled professionals in health care and cybersecurity, while fostering innovation, education and a brighter future for the state.
“The UMA Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development will strengthen Maine’s health care labor force and improve patient care while addressing critical workforce needs in cybersecurity,” said Senator Collins. “As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked to secure funding for this project, which will provide essential training for skilled nurses and cybersecurity professionals.”
“Health care and cybersecurity are two of the fields where Maine is facing a sizable shortfall in our state workforce,” said Senator King, co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. “The University of Maine at Augusta’s new Capital Center will be critical to ensuring we broaden our ability to deliver excellent health care and strengthen our cybersecurity response—and I know Maine students have the skills and knowledge to rise to the challenge. I’m proud to have helped secure the necessary federal funding to get this project off the ground, and am excited to hear all the success stories that will emerge from these new programs.”
UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy and UMA President Jenifer Cushman expressed their deep appreciation and shared their optimism for the impact of UMA’s new Capital Center on education, health care and career opportunities across Maine.
“I want to congratulate the University of Maine at Augusta for starting construction of its new Capital Center. When open to students next year, this state-of-the-art facility will enable UMA to expand and enhance nursing education in support of its own enrollment growth and the University of Maine System’s goal of doubling our output of nursing graduates prepared to deliver safe, effective patient care across Maine,” said Chancellor Malloy. “We are grateful to Senator Collins and Senator King for securing the one-time federal funding that is making this project possible and for the continued commitment of the Congressional Delegation, state leaders and our community partners, including MaineGeneral Health, to investing in our public universities’ ability to improve Mainers’ health care access and outcomes.”
“This groundbreaking represents UMA’s historic commitment to meeting critical workforce demands in Maine and the needs of students,” said President Cushman. “With these expanded facilities, we’re not just growing our university, we’re growing opportunities for students to pursue careers in the high-demand fields of nursing and cybersecurity. The Capital Center will allow UMA to play an even greater role in strengthening Maine’s workforce and creating a brighter future for our communities. We are deeply grateful to our state and federal partners, the University of Maine System and MaineGeneral Health, whose support makes this transformational project possible.”
Event Highlights
In addition to remarks from President Cushman, the event included remarks on behalf of U.S. Senator Susan Collins shared by Staff Assistant Chuck Mahaleris; remarks on behalf of U.S. Senator Angus King shared by Director of Economic and Innovation Policy Adam Lachman; remarks from Chief Nursing Officer at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Chief Executive Officer at MaineGeneral Community Care and Chair of the UMA Board of Visitors Jennifer Riggs; as well as remarks from UMS and UMA leadership, faculty and students.
Following the speaking program, project partners, key stakeholders and attendees participated in a ceremonial wall-breaking to commemorate the start of construction.
Expanded Nursing Facilities
UMA’s nursing program has grown from 91 students in the 2019-20 school year to 265 in 2024-25. The new nursing education facility at the Capital Center will be 50% larger than its current location at the Augusta Civic Center. It will feature advanced laboratory and collaborative areas, and triple the program’s simulation lab capacity. These enhancements will help UMA address the nursing shortage by increasing enrollment to 400 students, offering more robust hands-on learning environments and supporting excellence in nursing and patient care to meet Maine’s healthcare needs. UMA is reviewing several options to utilize the Civic Center space to support academic programs during the remainder of the two-year lease.
According to Associate Professor and Director of the UMA holistic nursing program Shannon Gauvin, “This project is a transformative step forward in addressing Maine’s critical nursing shortage. With a projected gap of 2,155 nurses by next year, this new state-of-the-art facility allows us to expand the number of students we can serve and prepare to enter the workforce. The enhanced simulation labs and cutting-edge technology will provide hands-on clinical education that mirrors real-life scenarios, ensuring our students graduate confident and capable in their skills and application of knowledge. By creating a space that supports collaboration, innovation and flexibility for all learners, we’re equipping future nurses to meet the healthcare needs of Maine’s communities with excellence and compassion.”
“MaineGeneral is proud to partner with the University of Maine Augusta to find creative solutions and funding to address the critical nursing workforce needs of our community,” said Riggs. “With this project, more students will have access to high-quality nursing training, which will directly benefit patients in the Kennebec Valley now and in the years to come.”
Expanded Cybersecurity Facilities
The cybersecurity program will move from a single classroom in the Randall Student Center to a new 3,000-square-foot facility, greatly increasing UMA’s capacity to educate future cybersecurity professionals. The new space will also enable UMA to provide advanced training opportunities for private industries and municipalities in Maine and beyond.
“This is an exciting day for both our university and the future of Maine’s workforce,” Professor of Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Henry Felch said. “Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 33% increase in demand for information security analysts over the next decade. Here in Maine, businesses and organizations are urgently seeking skilled professionals to safeguard their digital assets. By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we’re not just remodeling a building—we’re reshaping our ability to train the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Our university is proud to play a pivotal role in meeting this critical workforce need and ensuring Maine stays competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
UMA has engaged Lavallee Brensinger Architects and Consigli Construction Co., Inc. to lead the project.
Blueprint for Transformation
“It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to projects that transform spaces into modern educational and simulation environments, equipping students for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Lavallee Brensinger Architects CEO and Medical Education / Simulation Leader Richard Pizzi. “The University of Maine at Augusta’s investment will have a lasting impact on healthcare providers in the capital region. We’ve enjoyed the collaboration and the creativity that our teams found together.”
About Lavallee Brensinger Architects
Lavallee Brensinger Architects, with offices in Portland, ME, Boston, MA, and Manchester, NH, integrates their Education and Healthcare Design Studios to create innovative solutions in medical education. Their team is focused on creating highly effective, student-centered spaces to educate and train the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their collaborative approach involves clients at every stage, ensuring their insights are complemented by client experience and process to foster and unite the best in healthcare and education design.
Design & Construction
“Consigli has long served as a partner to the University of Maine System as it works
continuously to expand and improve resources for its students and faculty, and as a firm with
deep ties to the local community, our team is proud to support the growth and development of Maine’s regional workforce and economy,” said Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Project Executive Chris Brown. “Once complete, this new, renovated space will deliver state-of-the-art labs and classroom spaces that are equipped with immersive simulation and hands-on, skills-based learning environments necessary for these in-demand industry sectors.”
About Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Consigli Construction Co., Inc. is a leading construction manager in the Northeast and Mid-
Atlantic. Consigli services clients across all markets, including academic, healthcare, life
sciences, institutional, energy, corporate and federal. Founded in 1905, Consigli is now a 100%
employee-owned (ESOP) company, providing its people a direct benefit of its success and
creating a culture of accountability. The company has offices in Massachusetts, Washington,
D.C., Maine, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, New Hampshire and the
Caribbean. Consigli has received numerous awards for its craftsmanship and employment
practices, including national recognition as a Forbes Best Employer. For more information, visit consigli.com and follow Consigli on LinkedIn.
About Marketplace at Augusta
Marketplace at Augusta is the largest open-air shopping center in Maine. Opened in 1995, the center is home to a wide array of shopping, dining and entertainment options. WS Development owns and operates the 1.3 million square foot center. For more information, visit www.augustamarketplace.com.
About WS Development
WS Development, a Massachusetts-based mixed-use developer, focuses on creating places people want to be. Founded in 1990, WS is one of the nation’s largest privately owned real estate firms, managing over 100 properties totaling 22 million square feet, with an additional eight million square feet in development. The company’s vertically integrated approach spans conceptualization, ownership, operation, and leasing, delivering best-in-class experiences for communities, tenants, and partners. For more, visit www.wsdevelopment.com.