Statewide initiative highlights milestones in workforce development and outlines a four-year roadmap to power Maine’s $16.56 billion tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation economy.
The Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute at the University of Maine System released its latest Annual Report alongside its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan. Serving as a system-wide convener across all seven UMS campuses, the THOR Institute connects higher education directly to Maine’s $16.56 billion THOR sector, which currently supports nearly one in five jobs statewide.
The combined release celebrates recent growth while launching a comprehensive multi-year roadmap. Together, the reports highlight how the THOR Institute is expanding educational access through online flexible learning, in-person experiential field courses, professional training, and statewide initiatives to address labor shortages, elevate wage potential, and strengthen local communities.
“In Maine, tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation are far more than business sectors—they are the core of our state’s identity and economic resilience. By reflecting on our progress in the Annual Report and looking ahead with our new strategic plan, we are leveraging the collective strengths of our entire university system to ensure Maine-grown talent has clear, flexible pathways to high-wage leadership roles right here at home.”
Annual Report Highlights: Building Momentum Across Maine
To read the 2025-2026 Annual Report in detail, click here.
The Annual Report details significant progress in establishing a collaborative statewide network across UMS campuses and industry partners:
- Expanding Student Pathways: Successful growth of experiential THOR fellowship placements, embedding hands-on industry experience directly into academic learning.
- Systemwide Synergy: Broader cross-campus coordination aligning unique university strengths with regional workforce needs.
- Faculty & Curriculum Innovation: Grant-supported initiatives, including support from the Davis Educational Foundation, that have laid the groundwork for multi-university coursework and shared projects.
- Industry Collaboration: Active engagement with a statewide industry advisory board, ensuring university programming directly addresses the real-time needs of Maine employers.
Strategic Plan (2026–2029): The Roadmap Ahead
To read the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan in detail, click here.
Building on the momentum detailed in the Annual Report, the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan outlines key operational and academic milestones:
Flexible Academic Pathways Launching in 2027
To accommodate working professionals and adult learners, the THOR Institute is introducing competency-based degree offerings through the YourPace platform. Beginning in 2027, students can enroll in dedicated Associate (AS) and Bachelor (BS) degree programs, as well as target certificates in Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation.
Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning
Supported by the Davis Educational Foundation, the THOR Institute is breaking down traditional institutional boundaries to offer five multi-university, interdisciplinary courses accessible to students at any UMS campus. The Institute will also host six statewide faculty workshops to develop cross-campus experiential curricula and establish a unified UMS Collaboration Guide.
Core Goals Driving the 2026–2029 Strategy
- Workforce & Wage Development: Reduce critical industry shortages while elevating wage skills through YourPace degrees, fellowships, and targeted training.
- Destination Advancement: Boost Maine’s global visibility and destination capacity through industry research and interdisciplinary courses.
- Sustainability & Equity: Promote resource protection and equitable growth through specialized certificates and regional research partnerships.
- Enrollment & Retention: Drive in-state student retention and system enrollment through early college outreach and shared minors.
- Systemwide Collaboration: Maintain unified accreditation standards while highlighting unique campus specialties through a UMS Collaboration Guide.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Maine’s Economy
As Maine continues to evolve as a premier place to live, learn, and visit, the THOR Institute is laying the groundwork for a resilient, sustainable future. By uniting statewide partners around shared academic pathways, pioneering experiential learning, and deep community roots, this dual release of the Annual Report and 2026–2029 Strategic Plan marks a transformative shift for the institute. Together with industry leaders, the THOR Institute is empowering the next generation to steward Maine’s natural resources, elevate local businesses, and ensure that the state’s heritage industries remain an engine of opportunity for decades to come.
