The 48-year-old took a course each semester, traveling to Augusta for a satellite program.

FARMINGTON – The top town official has received an outstanding graduate student award.

Town Manager Richard Davis has earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine.

He received the Barrie E. Blunt Outstanding Student Memorial Award for his success in public administration and keeping his grades up. He graduated with a 3.92 grade point average last month.

He started going after his master’s degree in the fall of 1997 and continued to take courses and work as a town manager in Wilton and Farmington as he pursued the 42 credits he needed for his degree.

“It’s been a long road,” he said. “It feels very good to have completed it and gives me a good feeling of accomplishment.”

He decided to pursue the challenge, he said, because he thought it would be good for him professionally and for the town.

“I’ve learned quite a lot of new techniques and knowledge that I can apply to the job,” he said.

The 48-year-old Wilton man took a course each semester traveling to Augusta for a U-Maine satellite program.

He never lost sight of his goal, he said.

“I”m glad to be finished,” he said. “I hope to put this knowledge to work on behalf of the citizens of Farmington.”

Davis became the town’s manager Aug. 27, 2001. Prior to that he served as the town manager of Wilton for nearly 14 years and manager of Buckfield for four years before that.

Davis received the Maine Towns and Cities Management Association Leadership Award shortly after starting in Farmington. He said that award also contributed to his receiving the Barrie E. Blunt award.

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