Senator Collins Visits Texas Instruments, Applauds UMaine’s Successful Partnerships with Maine Companies to Employ Graduates

Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins, President Ferrini-Mundy, and Dean Humphrey

South Portland, ME—U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Texas Instruments’ (TI) microchip fabrication plant in South Portland to celebrate the partnership between the University of Maine and manufacturers in the state.  UMaine’s quality education and its ability to adapt to the needs of Maine employers have created a strong demand for UMaine graduates.  During her visit to TI, Senator Collins toured the facility, met with business leaders, and delivered remarks at a reception welcoming new UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

Texas Instruments has been a leader in the effort to establish the new Engineering Education and Design Center (EEDC) at UMaine.  A groundbreaking for the $80 million facility on the Orono campus is anticipated in spring 2020, with completion scheduled for 2022.  The new facility is necessary to accommodate the rapid growth of UMaine’s College of Engineering, which has experienced a 70 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment since 2001.

“Whenever I meet with technology companies throughout our state, I am reminded time and again of the high value they place on UMaine engineering graduates.  In addition to cutting-edge research, UMaine provides an outstanding education for the next generation of engineers,” said Senator Collins.  “Working together, UMaine and Texas Instruments are spurring economic growth for our state and new jobs for our people.”

"I thank Senator Collins for being such a great partner with the University of Maine in our efforts to produce the graduates and new technologies to move Maine's economy forward.  I particularity appreciate that the Senator recognizes the critical importance that engineering intensive companies, such as Texas Instruments, play in providing high quality jobs for the citizens of Maine," said Dana Humphrey, Dean of Engineering at the University of Maine.

The College of Engineering at UMaine is Maine’s only educational institution to offer 11 accredited engineering and engineering technology degree programs.

TI, a Dallas-based integrated circuit manufacturer, employs approximately 600 people at its South Portland microchip fabrication plant.