AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta was joined on Aug. 26 by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and local health care leaders to cut the ribbon on its new Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development, which will grow Maine’s workforce in two of the most in-demand fields.
The 21,000-square-foot center, located in the Marketplace at Augusta directly across from UMA’s main campus, features advanced simulation labs for nursing, a 3,000-square-foot cybersecurity training facility and collaborative classrooms, giving students real-world training environments that mirror the workplace they will enter. The project was led by Lavallee Brensinger Architects and Consigli Construction Co. Inc.
“The Capital Center represents UMA at its best, educating students with innovative tools and experiences that connect directly to careers,” said Jenifer Cushman, university president. “It allows us to expand our programs, welcome more students and strengthen Maine’s workforce in health care and cybersecurity.”
Funding and Support
The Capital Center is a $7.15 million renovation of the former Purdue Global site, made possible through congressionally directed spending in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 secured by Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and King at the request of the University of Maine System. Additional support of $480,000 from MaineGeneral Health is helping UMA expand its nursing program to take full advantage of the new facility and prepare more nurses for Maine’s workforce.
“Maine’s future depends on expanding our highly skilled workforce, especially in fields like health care and cybersecurity,” Collins said. “I was proud to secure federal funding for the UMA Capital Center, which will increase opportunities for students to gain the hands-on training they need to succeed in these critical roles.”
“When I speak with Maine people about their concerns, I hear about workforce development, health care and cybersecurity impacting communities and homes. The Capital Center is a powerful example of what happens when we invest in innovation and work together to meet 21st century challenges,” said King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former co-chair of the Congressional Cybersolarium Commission. “By bringing local, state and federal partners together, UMA is giving students access to state-of-the-art training for both nursing and cybersecurity. I know that these students will be part of a new era for wellness and improve every Maine person’s quality of life, and hope that this is only the beginning of their work protecting access to affordable and accessible health care across our state.”
“The University of Maine System is the state’s leading provider of new nurses prepared to deliver safe, effective patient care, conferring nearly 500 in-demand nursing degrees just this year. With the opening of its Capital Center, the University of Maine at Augusta will further expand nursing education in support of its own enrollment growth and our system’s goal of doubling our output of nursing graduates,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “We are grateful to Senators Collins and King for securing the one-time federal funding that is making this project possible and for the continued commitment of the Maine Congressional Delegation, state leaders and community partners like MaineGeneral Health for investing in our public universities’ ability to improve statewide health care access and outcomes.”
Expanding Nursing Education Capacity
UMA’s nursing program has grown from 91 students in 2019-20 to 271 in 2024-25. With the opening of the Capital Center, enrollment capacity is expected to grow to more than 400 students within the next four years. According to the Maine Nursing Action Coalition’s 2024 workforce report, Maine is projected to face a shortage of more than 2,800 registered nurses by 2030. UMA’s expansion will help meet this need by preparing more nursing graduates each year. The program will be supported by advanced simulation labs and training technology that bring real-world patient care into the classroom.
“Every simulation and lab experience in this new space will ensure our students are practice-ready upon graduation,” said UMA’s Director of Nursing Shannon Gauvin. “With expanded capacity and the latest technology, we can educate more nurses who are confident, compassionate and ready to deliver excellent patient care to all of the communities we serve.”
Chloe Wilson, a UMA nursing student from the Class of 2026, said, “training in the new simulation labs feels like stepping into a real hospital. It gives me the confidence to know I’ll be ready to care for patients on day one.”
MaineGeneral Health, a key partner in this project, underscored the community impact. “MaineGeneral is proud to partner with UMA on this project,” said Chief Nursing Officer at MaineGeneral Health Jennifer Riggs. “The Capital Center makes it possible for more students to access high-quality training, and our community will benefit from more well-prepared nurses entering the workforce.”
Advancing Cybersecurity Education
The new cybersecurity space replaces a single classroom with a modern lab designed to support advanced training for students and provide specialized cybersecurity workshops for Maine’s businesses and municipalities. Demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to surge nationwide as organizations work to protect critical infrastructure, businesses and communities from cyberthreats. UMA is positioning itself to meet this need by giving students hands-on training with the same systems they will encounter in the workforce.
“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields in the country, and Maine needs skilled professionals to keep our businesses, municipalities and communities safe,” said UMA Professor Henry Flech. “This new lab gives our students the kind of training they will experience in the workforce and prepares them to lead in a field where the stakes are high.”
“The new cybersecurity lab lets us practice on the same kinds of systems we’ll be working with in the field,” said Sarah Cook-Wheeler, UMA cybersecurity graduate student. “It’s preparing me for a career where I know I’ll make a difference.”
Celebrating the Opening
The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together UMA leadership, the University of Maine System, members of Maine’s congressional delegation, MaineGeneral Health, faculty, students and community partners. Following the ceremony, guests toured the new facility, experienced live nursing simulation and cybersecurity demonstrations and spoke with students and faculty about their training.
Classes at the Capital Center will begin next week, welcoming students into a space built for innovation and applied learning. To support the anticipated growth of UMA’s nursing and cybersecurity programs, the university is also partnering with Mastway Development on a new residence hall in Hallowell. Scheduled to open in fall 2027, the facility will add 60 beds and a full-service dining hall, expanding UMA’s capacity to offer a vibrant residential experience for students.
