Dr. Wesley Renfro, the new dean of the University of New England’s College of Arts and Sciences, is settling into his role with a strong focus on helping students find purpose, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

As a first-generation college student himself, Renfro said he feels a deep connection to UNE’s mission. “One of the things I really like here is that we have a lot of first-generation students,” he said. “We make a meaningful difference in their lives. We help them find purpose and careers.” Renfro has a background in research, focusing on U.S. presidents and foreign policy. “I’m really interested in the psychology and leadership style of presidents,” he said.

Renfro believes higher education is about more than academics. It’s about giving students the freedom to live fully, “People can’t be good citizens if they can’t pay their rent… Helping students get jobs of their choosing is a necessary first step to having a healthier society.”

Now, after nearly 18 years in higher education, Renfro says the best part of his job is helping people. “One of the great things about being an administrator is that you get to help people—and that’s one of the best parts of my job,” he said. “Most problems are solvable, but somebody has to solve them.”

For Renfro, the opportunity to help students succeed is what makes his work most fulfilling. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Every day I get to see people learn, grow, and find their path. Knowing I play even a small part in that is something I’m really proud of.”

Renfro hopes to see UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences recognized nationally. “I want us to be a premier destination for students—not just from Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, but also from places li

ke Florida, Iowa, and Wisconsin,” he said. “We’re a little bit of a hidden gem here in Maine, and I think it’s time to share our story.”

Part of that story is giving students experiences that set UNE apart from other colleges. “I want every student to be able to say, ‘I went to UNE and I was able to do something I couldn’t have done anywhere else,’” Renfro said.

He also encourages faculty to highlight their success and student achievements more often. “We have amazing programs and professors doing incredible work,” he said. “We just need to tell those stories a little louder.”

Renfro’s path to becoming dean began early. As a college student, he was the editor of his campus newspaper, which led him to work with administrators—and would eventually spark his interest in higher education leadership.

“I remember thinking, ‘I really like being in college. Maybe I’ll be a professor, and if I’m good at it, maybe one day I’ll be a dean,’” he said with a laugh.

Renfro places a strong emphasis on inclusion and making sure everyone on campus feels like they belong. “People can’t fully participate if they don’t feel like they belong,” he said. “We work to make sure UNE is culturally and academically welcoming to all kinds of students.”

That effort starts with connection, he added, “If a student invites me to something, I go. I want to talk to them, learn about them, and show that we care.”

When he’s not in meetings or working with faculty, Renfro enjoys exploring campus—especially

UNE’s famous waterfront. “Before I applied, I came to campus and walked out to Jordan’s Point,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘Holy cow.’ It’s such a beautiful place.”

Looking ahead, Renfro hopes to help more students see UNE as a place where they can grow, belong, and succeed. “I want students to find purpose here,” he said. “To graduate ready to build the kind of lives they choose for themselves.”