Meet Our Team: Greg Andrews

If you were to look up dedication in the UNE Online dictionary, you would find a picture of Greg Andrews. Greg’s commitment to his students is inspiring, and because of it, he’s become a household name to many of his students.

He’s also a native Mainer, and New England sports aficionado, affectionately naming his cat after the famed Red Sox alum Nomar Garciaparra and dubbing a Patriots win as part of his ideal Sunday afternoon.

At UNE Online students are our top priority, and their success is what drives each and every one of us to do what we do. We’d like to share a little bit about the people that are dedicated to making that happen every day.

What do you do at UNE Online?

I’m a Student Support Specialist here at UNE Online. I support all of our graduate-level Education students – from Master’s to Doctoral, and everything in between. I’ve been here for about two and a half years, and I’ve always worked with our Education population. I have a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Administration, so it was a natural fit as I’m very familiar with the industry and population.

Where are you from?

The easy answer is Maine. The longer answer is that I’ve lived in a bunch of different areas within the state, but I grew up mostly in Central Maine. I earned my undergraduate degree here in Maine, and then was out in Denver for grad school and am back to Maine now.

What’s your favorite dessert?

Ice cream. I love any flavor besides coffee ice cream. I also love adding the “magic shell.”

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

I say good morning to my cat, Garcie. Her full name is Garcie A. Pawrra, named after the retired Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. I rescued her about five years ago when I was working at the University of Central Florida as an Area Coordinator.

A few students snuck her in, and when they got caught they released her into the woods near the campus. I had wanted a dog at the time, so when I found her I took her in as a foster to try and place her in another home. But I quickly learned she was too cute to let her go, so I never did!

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

“If it’s not urgent, it will be there tomorrow.” It’s a helpful reminder to recognize that we need to be sure to prioritize and realize that we don’t have to, and sometimes can’t, do everything in a day.

What’s the latest lesson you’ve learned?

Pro-activity is the best activity.

What’s your favorite part of what you do here?

I love my students. I enjoy interacting with them, and doing what I can to go above and beyond when possible. For me, it’s about building that connection and making sure they know I’m a reliable resource. I had one student tell me that I’m a household name, and her kids know me. And getting to meet them at graduation is what makes it all worth it.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Sushi, hands down. I love the spicy salmon roll at the Teriyaki Exchange in South Portland.

What’s your favorite emoji?

It’d have to be the purple heart. Purple is my favorite color, and I enjoy making sure my family and friends know they are loved!

Favorite book?

Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate by Brad Warner was a life-changing book for me. It’s about the author’s journey as a Buddhist and punk rocker.

What’s your motto?

“Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive.”

What’s your favorite thing about living in Maine?

The ocean. I lived in Denver, Colorado for two years, and while the Rockies are beautiful, I missed the ocean the most.

Do you have a secret talent?

I have a few…I can fold a fitted sheet. I used to work at a laundromat.

I can also juggle, but only three things at a time. I learned that at the laundromat too. We used golf balls when drying down comforters and things like that, so when there was down time I taught myself. This was before the days of YouTube and social media.

What’s your ideal Sunday?

A Sunday in February, where the Patriots win and confetti is in the air. 28 to 3 comeback optional.

Stay tuned for more of our team profiles!

In the meantime, if you are interested in the online Graduate Programs in Education or if you would like more information, please reach out to an Enrollment Counselor at (800) 994-2804 or via email at education@une.edu. Or, if you’re ready to apply, fill out your online application at online.une.edu/gateway-portal-page.