Kelly Dickson MPhil ’97

I loved my time at COA. I came here for the MPhil program and studied Resource Sensitive Tourism in cooperation with Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park. I was challenged mentally and loved the spirit of the place. One of the things that really stood out for me was how students are encouraged to perceive all sides of an issue — choices are not black or white but many shades of gray — and various outcomes might be had from each. Which choices are the best for the people of this community vs the economy vs the environment? I feel like a good liberal arts education will broaden your perspective. COA achieves this in spades through its holistic, human-ecological lens.

Like many students, I received financial aid while attending COA. After graduation, I decided that I wanted to pay it all back if I could manage it. I have served in volunteer leadership roles at the college and I joined the Alumni Leadership Circle and the Northern Lights Society. I feel it is important to give during your lifetime and to leave something behind for later as well to ensure this institution is here for the next generation.