A collection of posts related to the University of New England, including the Gazette’s investigative reporting, feature stories submitted to us by UNE; and letters to the editor and guest columns about the university.
This is the third installment in a multi-part series of articles that examines the ongoing saga of issues connected to the University of New England’s controversial research pier project
This is the second installment in a multi-part series of articles that examines the ongoing saga of issues connected to the University of New England's controversial research pier project
"In the last decade certain processes have been sloppy. Our elected officials are now determined to clean it all up, not an easy task."
The Biddeford Gazette’s May 17 article, “UNE describes their relationship with Biddeford as ‘broken,’” makes several factual errors and perpetuates false narratives about the proposed research pier.
Communities across the country spend years trying to attract institutions like UNE and MaineHealth that offer an elevated level of reach and stability. Biddeford already has them rooted here.
This is the first in a multi-part series that examines the relationship between the University of New England and Biddeford's municipal leaders.
The University of New England will not be able to begin necessary tree clearing and other preparation work for its controversial, 180-foot research pier on the Saco River. Time to Read | 5-8 minutes (1,217 words) By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Biddeford’s Zoning Board of Appeals voted 2-1 Monday to put a somewhat rare damper … Continue reading Zoning board deals a blow to UNE
[Contributed story and photos, courtesy of UNE] By ALAN BENNETT | University of New England Approximately 20 students from the University of New England strapped into their boots on Wednesday, April 29, to remove invasive plant species from the shoreline along the Saco River on the university’s Biddeford Campus. The uprooting is part of ongoing … Continue reading COMMUNITY | Students prepare ‘Living Shoreline’ at UNE campus
The city of Biddeford's financial challenges requires a team approach and the University of New England should get on board.
Editor: I agree with Linda Morrison's point about the contributions that the University of New England brings to the communities of Saco and Biddeford. [UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community; Biddeford Gazette, April 26, 2026] UNE Professors, students, and graduates bring immeasurable talent, knowledge, and positive energy to our communities. Their civic-minded assistance … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette should try harder on UNE reporting
Editor: I write as a former homeowner in Biddeford and a faculty member for over 30 years at the University of New England. I have been astonished at recent allegations and questions regarding UNE and what we actually offer the community and taxpayers of Biddeford. THE WRITER points out the many significant impacts that UNE … Continue reading LETTER | UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The University of New England Nor’Easters club lacrosse team was full of enthusiasm and high spirits during their warm-up stretches in the moments before their final game of the season Saturday against the St. Anslem Hawks. But unfortunately, the Nor’Easters walked away with a disappointing 5-4 loss. While a cold … Continue reading ‘There’s no crying in lacrosse’
A weeks-long investigation by the Biddeford Gazette reveals a million-dollar real estate deal, a 25-year option on a large parcel of riverfront land and a lack of disclosure that has fueled negative public commentary By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England continue to boil, … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
[Contributed Story] By DEIRDRE FLEMING STIRES | University of New England University of New England students majoring in nutrition hosted a “Cooking Matters” grocery store event for the Biddeford community at a local Hannaford supermarket on Friday, March 27. The students in UNE’s Nutrition program set up stations throughout the store where they taught curious … Continue reading UNE nutrition students bring healthy-meal tips to Biddeford grocery shoppers
The city announced today that it will appeal the dismissal of a legal complaint filed in connection with the university's controversial research pier. UNE describes the move as "frivolous" and a waste of taxpayer money. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England seem to be … Continue reading Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
Wave gauges deployed off the Saco shoreline join a growing network of sensors spearheaded by UNE researchers to inform coastal resilience planning for weather-beaten communities By ALAN BENNETT | University of New England Researchers from the University of New England have installed specialized wave-monitoring equipment off the coast of Saco to better understand how a … Continue reading NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
The University of New England recently announced that 166 graduating physicians have matched to residencies in Maine, New England and Beyond [Contributed Story | By ALAN BENNETT, University of New England PORTLAND/BIDDEFORD — The University of New England today announced that 166 graduating physicians have matched to residencies in Maine, New England, and beyond, with more than 50 … Continue reading UNE puts 166 new doctors into the world
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England. In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s … Continue reading Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
By DEIRDRE STILES, UNE Communications Specialist BIDDEFORD, Maine — For the second year in a row, University of New England students will help the Biddeford Pool Conservation Trust plant dune grass along a section of beach in Biddeford Pool to help make the beaches more climate resilient. UNE students help with dune grass restoration On … Continue reading UNE students will help plant dune grass
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 