A Message from THOR Leadership
The THOR Network is more than an academic initiative; it is a commitment to Maine’s future. By uniting the unique strengths of all seven University of Maine System campuses, we are building a seamless pipeline between classroom innovation and the state’s most vital industries. Our leadership team is dedicated to fostering the talent, sustainability, and global connectivity that will define the next generation of Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation.
Direct Support
For general inquiries, program details, or partnership opportunities, please reach out to our core administrative team:
- Emily Zider | THOR Program Manager | emily.zider@maine.edu
- Kelli Park | THOR Outreach Coordinator | kelli.park@maine.edu
Leadership & Expertise
The THOR Network is guided by a collaborative team of industry veterans, academic leaders, and program innovators across the University of Maine System.
Meet the THOR Staff:
Dr. Tracy Michaud
Associate Professor of Tourism & Hospitality
Director – THOR Institute
Email: tracy.michaud@maine.edu
Website: Tracy Michaud biography
Emily Zider
Program Manager
Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation Institute
University of Maine System
Email: emily.zider@maine.edu
Kelli Park
Outreach Coordinator
Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation Institute
University of Maine System
Email: kelli.park@maine.edu
Eileen Moran
UMS Liaison
Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation Institute
University of Maine System
Email: eileen.moran@maine.edu
Meet the THOR Executive Committee:
Barbara Blackstone, MS
Associate Professor of Exercise Science
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Email: barbara.blackstone@maine.edu
Website: Barbara Blackstone biography
Dr. Michael Curran
Associate Professor of Business
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Email: michael.curran1@maine.edu
Website: Michael Curran biography
Dr. Karen Beeftink
Associate Professor of Recreation and Tourism Management
University of Maine at Machias
Email: karen.beeftink@maine.edu
Website: Karen Beeftink biography
Dr. John Daigle
Professor of Forest Recreation Management
University of Maine (Orono)
Email: jdaigle@maine.edu
Website: John Daigle biography
Dr. Lauren Jacobs
Senior Lecturer in Outdoor Leadership
University of Maine (Orono)
Email: lauren.jacobs@maine.edu
Website: Lauren Jacobs biography
Dr. Clyde Mitchell
Professor of Business
University of Maine at Farmington
Email: clyde.mitchell@maine.edu
Website: Clyde Mitchell biography
Kimberly Jones, MS
Associate Professor of Business Administration
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Email: kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu
Website: Kimberly Jones biography
Dr. Brenda McAleer
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, College of Professional Studies
University of Maine at Augusta
Email: mcaleer@maine.edu
Website: Brenda McAleer biography
Dr. Matthew McCourt
Associate Professor of Geography
University of Maine at Farmington
Email: matthew.mccourt@maine.edu
Website: Matt McCourt biography
Meghan Price
Director of Alpine Operations; Lecturer, Alpine Operations & Recreation
University of Maine at Farmington
Email: meghan.price@maine.edu
Website: Meghan Price biography
Dr. Firooza Pavri
Associate Dean & Professor of Geography
Muskie School of Public Service
University of Southern Maine
Email: firooza.pavri@maine.edu
Website: Firooza Pavri biography
Austin French, MBA
Director of Career Pathways & Employer Engagement; Lecturer, Outdoor Recreation Business Administration University of Maine at Farmington
Email: austin.french@maine.edu
Website: Austin French biography
Collaborating Scholars
Ryan Naylor, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher School of Forest Resources University of Maine (Orono)
Email: ryan.naylor@maine.edu
Lydia Horne, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate School of Forest Resources University of Maine (Orono)
Email: lydia.horne@maine.edu