Alumni Career Award
Pam White ’71, ’16 Hon.
Ambassador Pamela White is a prominent leader whose distinguished career in public service has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals both abroad and at home. A graduate of the University of Maine, Pam began her remarkable journey by joining the Peace Corps shortly after graduation, which launched her into a 39-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Over the course of her career, she served as Ambassador to The Gambia and Haiti, leading efforts in critical foreign policy initiatives. Pam’s service with USAID was equally impressive, where she directed high-impact programs in Mali, Tanzania, and Liberia. In Mali, she revolutionized education and health initiatives, while in Tanzania, she led a successful malaria control program, reducing the incidence of the disease by 85%. Her leadership in Liberia helped guide the nation’s post-conflict recovery, implementing a $400 million development program that spanned various sectors. After retiring in 2015, Pam continued her commitment to service by mentoring students, serving on multiple boards, and engaging in public speaking. She has been an influential member of the University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs Board of Advisors, shaping the next generation of global leaders. Pam’s unwavering dedication to both national and international service exemplifies the values of the UMAA Alumni Career Achievement Award, making her a truly deserving honoree.
Distinguished Maine Professor
Mark Brewer, Ph.D.
Dr. Mark Brewer, Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Maine, has been named the 2025 Distinguished Maine Professor, the Alumni Association’s most prestigious faculty award. The Distinguished Maine Professor Award honors those professors who exemplify the highest qualities of teaching, research, and public service. Dr. Brewer joined the University of Maine faculty in 2004, and over the past 20 years has taught a total of 15 different courses in political science and leadership studies. He is a long-time core faculty member in the Honors College and has changed the lives of countless students as both an educator, advisor, and mentor. With over 1,500 media appearances, Dr. Brewer is considered to be the go-to political expert for Maine and national media. He has held numerous leadership positions in professional associations, such as serving as the editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Political Science for the past 14 years. In service to his local community, he has served as an elected member of the Orono School Board for many years and has volunteered as a coach at Orono High. Since his arrival at the University of Maine, Dr. Brewer has earned ten additional awards and recognitions including Outstanding Faculty Award in 2019, Faculty Excellence Award in 2018, various grants, and research awards. He has published six books with high-ranking presses, including Oxford University press, as well as dozens of peer-reviewed articles. He is the author of two textbooks, one of which is the best-selling textbook in the field and currently in its tenth edition.