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A U G U S T 2 4 , 2 0 2 0 21 the average class size of 19 makes physical distancing more manageable. COVID-19 testing will be con- ducted on a rotation basis under plans developed with community health officials. "Students overwhelmingly prefer the face-to-face opportunity," Clark says, "but they also want to know it's going to be done in a safe and secure environment as much as possible." Looking back at the previous semester when the pandemic forced Husson to go to 100% remote learn- ing, Clark says that having the technological tools in place already made for a smooth transition. "We found that scaling it quickly was probably easier than inventing it or bringing it online in the first place," he says. "Because of that, we were able to deliver a quality learning experience for the remain- der of the semester." On the recruiting front, it lim- ited on-campus tours to residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, and offered virtual tours and 30-minute virtual information sessions for others. Getting down to business Already home to Maine's largest business college, Husson is looking to the building under construc- tion to bolster its reputation as a regional leader in business education. Portland-based Sheridan Construction Corp. is the builder. e facility is slated to open in fall 2021 with 42,500 square feet of classrooms and offices sup- ported by advanced technology, learning spaces devoted to augmented and virtual reality and a large space for mock trials. "It will certainly provide our cornerstone pro- gram in business with a state-of-the art facility," says Clark, noting that Hussson is Maine's biggest provider of MBAs. He cites the practical nature of Husson's pro- gram as what sets it apart, along with certificate programs in fields from cybersecurity to catering and tailor-made programs for employers including Jackson Laboratory, of Bar Harbor, and Freeport- based manufacturer and retailer L.L.Bean. Bangor hospital program aims to fill nurse shortfage s Maine faces an estimated workforce shortage of 3,200 nurses by 2025, employers have had to get creative in attracting people to the profession. One example is Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center's new RN Sponsorship Program, in which participants attend classes while receiving full-time pay and benefits, support from a mentor and two years of tuition payments. NO OTHER LENDER WORKS FOR AGRICULTURE LIKE US. Loans & Leases Financial Record-Keeping Payroll Services Profitability Consulting Tax Preparation & Planning Appraisals Estate Planning Beginning Farmer Programs Crop Insurance Discover a lender that's 100% dedicated to serving your financing needs. Farm Credit East was Made in Agriculture. So along with specialized financial products and money-saving services, you can benefit from an entire organization dedicated to your business and people working for your success. Discover the difference. No other lender understands your business like Farm Credit East. A It will certainly provide our cornerstone program in business with a state-of-the art facility. — Robert A. Clark Husson University C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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