Meet our Team: Kathryn Doiron

‘Meet our Team’ spotlights are just one way we like to share a little bit about the people who are dedicated to UNE Online’s signature student-centric experience.

What do you do here at UNE Online?

I’m a Student Support Specialist for the Public Health, Health Informatics, and Healthcare Administration programs.

I provide direct support to students from when they enroll in the program up through graduation, helping them to reach their academic goals.

What stands out to you in the Public Health program that you work within?

The diversity! The occupations, what drives the students, what they want to do with their degree, etc. All of these things vary a lot within this student population.

There is a lot you can do with a degree in the public health field and it’s so fun to watch them all apply their skills in different ways.

What’s your favorite part about being a Student Support Specialist?

I love the connections we are able to make in this role! It’s really enjoyable for me to interact with students who come from different backgrounds and different parts of the world!

As a Student Support Specialist, is there a student success story that comes to mind with a student you’ve supported?

There are no specific stories that come to mind because there are so many successes! In student support we face many different types of issues, problems, and roadblocks. While it can be difficult at times, it’s also really fun to come to work every day and get creative in helping students navigate the roadblocks to their academic success.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! It’s how we learn and it is always better to ask a question and get clarity than to be left in the dark not knowing the answers.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I would describe myself as more of a cat person than a dog person. While I’ve had more in the past, I only have one cat right now—and she’s 17! Her name is Smokey. I have a dog too though, Moz, and she’s great! 🙂

What’s your favorite thing about living in Maine?

I’ve been living in Maine my whole life and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I think my favorite thing about Maine is that there is so much to do outside! Recently I’ve been trying to drive to the beach every weekend, but when I’m not there I love exploring the mountains and state parks as well.

No matter the season, there is always something to do outside and in the fresh air!

What advice do you give to the students that you support?

Use your resources! We in student support want to help them succeed, but oftentimes we don’t know that they need help unless they reach out. Similar to student support, UNE as a whole offers a vast amount of resources that are often just an email away.

That’s always my number one tip to success in the programs!

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