FARMINGTON — University of Maine at Farmington President Kathryn A. Foster was recently named one of “50 Mainers Charting the State’s Future” by Maine magazine. This annual distinction spotlights the state’s creative visionaries and bold leaders.

Foster’s profile points to her purposeful work developing a new strategic plan for the college that is laying the groundwork for UMF to reinforce its mission as a small public liberal arts college. Among its goals, Foster’s plan underscores the college’s location in a vibrant small town in the heart of the Western Maine mountains.

A road map for the future, the plan recognizes the increasing importance of UMF as a valuable regional partner and ways it can take advantage of its location in the development of new academic programming, student experiential learning and continuing environmentally sustainable initiatives.

Foster was named president of the university in 2012. Included in her key accomplishments are: an increase of more than 300 percent in paid student internships; a reinvigorated commitment to four-season outdoor recreational and career opportunities; and a long-term investment in environmentally-responsible and sustainable practices with the construction of the largest single biomass hot water heating plant in Maine.