After three years of operating higher education classes at the Unobskey College in Calais, Husson University has decided to cease that part of its educational programming. In a December 8 release, Husson University President Robert Clark said, "During this past summer we hosted extensive discussions with our educational partners in the St. Croix Valley, and we are committed to remaining part of the discussion about the educational needs of Washington County. After taking a long hard look at the situation the numbers just aren't there [to run the Unobskey College]."
     Husson Director of Public Affairs Julie Green explains, "We had hoped to get cohorts going at Unobskey. Certainly if we had the opportunity to do that now, we would continue. But that isn't happening right now. Certainly we'd be interested in talking to anyone about collaborating. If a cohort group in the county was interested in a graduate program, we would be interested."
      However, Green notes that if a graduatelevel cohort were to happen in the future, it would not happen at the Unobskey College, but rather at another educational facility where different technologies might be combined with the physical presence of educators. Cohorts are usually groups of peers made up of professionals interested in pursuing a common educational program, usually at the graduate level. The group's professional knowledge is often considered a valuable educational component in its own right.
     Six students are currently enrolled in Unobskey College degree programs. Green says, "Everything students need to finish their degrees we are confident they will receive."
     Husson Provost Dr. Lynne CoyOgan explains, "We do have a small group of students currently enrolled, and we are working individually with each of them on this transition." Green notes that one student will be transferring to the Husson campus in Bangor, where a number of county students are enrolled. CoyOgan says, "We are committed to and confident that we are providing them every resource they need to complete their degree program. We are grateful to Dr. Joyce Hedlund, president of Washington County Community College, who has agreed to make space available on that campus for our remaining classes."
     Sidney and Nancy Unobskey expressed support for Husson University's move. "Over the last 12 years, hundreds of St. Croix Valley residents have taken college courses and dozens have obtained college degrees at the Unobskey College on Main Street. We are proud to have made this facility possible through the St. Croix River Valley Foundation. Now a new chapter in higher education for the area is opening as our partner Husson University is closing Unobskey College and relocating its classrooms to the Washington County Community College. We are hopeful that this will continue the process of enhancing higher education collaboration in the area. We intend to continue to promote higher education opportunities in the area. We want the people of the St. Croix Valley to know that our commitment to progress in the area remains firm."